Dear Friends,
It is good to be gathered here again, as schools return and workplaces reopen for the year. I hope that those of you who have had holidays have been refreshed, and that all are feeling renewed for another year.
Today we celebrate Candlemas, the fortieth day after Christmas, when according to the Gospel story, Joseph and Mary take their first-born son to be presented in the Temple, and Simeon recognises him as ‘The light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of God’s people Israel.’ The light theme, which is so pervasive in the celebration of Christmas and its associated festivals, is undoubtedly more telling at this time in the northern hemisphere. But of course the light is a universal symbol of all that challenges the darkness of much human experience, and speaks of the hope that there is in Jesus Christ and the Gospel he embodies and proclaims.
At the end of Mass today we have another opportunity to contribute to the CWS Appeal for the relief of suffering in Haiti. Envelopes are available at the back of the church for those who would like a receipt.
Primary schools, including S. Michael’s Church School, begin again tomorrow. Here the School will gather at 8:40 am for an assembly, when we shall pray God’s blessing on the new school year. Then as each class goes to its room, it will be blessed with those who teach and learn there. We welcome back our pupils and our hardworking staff.
Next Saturday is our National Day, Waitangi Day. This will be celebrated at appropriate sites around the country. In Christchurch, there will be a special service at 10:00 am in the Cathedral and all are welcome to attend this. At S. Michael’s there will be the usual Low Mass at 8:00 am. We are fortunate in Aotearoa-New Zealand that, so early in our story, some people had the wisdom to frame and promote a Treaty between the indigenous peoples and the new European settlers. It gives us some bearings today when we have to face what we have become, and the chequered history that has brought us here. And we can be proud that it was the Christian leaders of the day who largely brokered the Treaty. Whatever political issues still surround it today, we can all honour the Treaty on our national Day as the expression of an intention of respect and justice towards each other.
There are a couple of people who wish to be prepared specially to renew their baptismal promises at Easter. They will meet throughout Lent in a small catechumenal group. Would any others like to join this group for their own renewal, or as a ministry to new believers? Please contact me soon.
May God bless you all.Fr Peter Williams
