Today we were led in
our worship by Howard Clark, from UnitingWorld, who had come to raise our
awareness of the work of Uniting World and how we could play a part in that
work.
While doing that we
also became aware of our place among the world’s people and our
responsibility to others. Further, Howard’s presentation led us to be aware of
the possibilities for service and a change in perspective which could emerge
when we listen to the words of Jesus.
Howard began with an acknowledgement
of the traditional carers of the land upon which we were worshipping.
Europeans came to Australia to civilize the people who were living here as well
as exploit any resources. The first resource Australia provided was to be a
long way from England and so an excellent gaol.
When we consider
both of those intentions in the light of the gospel, the inhumanity of each is
appalling. As the
scripture which inspired Hymn TIS 686 says, “For truly I tell you, whoever
gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by
no means lose the reward.” God paused after creation and saw “that it was
good”. All people are God’s creation. All people are God’s children. We are
charged with giving comfort to all God’s children.
But the intention of
the European’s move to Australia was to isolate the prisoners and to
kill any hope they may have had of returning to family. That was so cruel.
They may have thought they were from a superior culture or as Christians, (even if they weren't exhibiting much Christianity) were superior and therefore had the right to squash 60000 years of culture of the Aboriginal people. What were they thinking? Did they imagine the Aboriginal people were cut off from God?
They may have thought they were from a superior culture or as Christians, (even if they weren't exhibiting much Christianity) were superior and therefore had the right to squash 60000 years of culture of the Aboriginal people. What were they thinking? Did they imagine the Aboriginal people were cut off from God?
God speaks to all souls in creation. How people interpret the voice they hear is
different from place to place and not always an accurate representation of
God’s voice and message. However nobody has a monopoly on truth. Great caution
should be shown.
Certainly the congregation
today showed their knowledge of their relationship with God as they sang
Hymn TIS 100, “All Creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and
sing”. And sing we did…with gusto!… Reflecting our enthusiasm for and
knowledge of the life-giving grip of our God upon us - and our gratitude for
that new life.
These themes were
played out in the stories told and films shown about the lives of two couples. One
couple live in Indonesia and the other in Western Papua. Both lived in
utterly deprived circumstances. However, because they received assistance
from Uniting World, each has been able to create a life where they have shelter
and a sustainable source of food and income.
Without outside help this wouldn't be possible. The help is available
because there are people in places such as Marsden Road Uniting Church who
recognise God in their neighbours and therefore their obligation to provide
them with shelter, food, clothing and water among other things as though they
were giving those things directly to God.
The result not only
brings hope to the people who receive help but the changes it brings in their
lives inspires and uplifts the people who provide it. A hymn such as TIS 111
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation, O my soul praise him
for he is your health and salvation.” expresses this.
All concerned recognise
the source of the goodness resulting from one group of people obeying God’s
will, recognizing God in other people and acting towards those others as though
those were actually God. The all-pervading goodness uplifts everyone.
The result of doing
good to bring hope to others leads to hope for all concerned, as we
recognise God in each other.
And so we can sing with
generous hearts, Hymn TIS 779:
“May the feet of God
walk with you, and his hand hold you tight.
May the eye of God rest
on you, and his ear hear your cry.
May the smile of God be
for you, and his breath give you life.
May the child of God
grow in you, and his love bring you home.”
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