Truth and Reconciliation

 September 29, 2021

The first Orange Shirt Day- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is tomorrow September 30. This is day to remember and honour indigenous children who went to residential schools and to the intergenerational survivors who are still struggling. As part of the Calls to Action, the federal government has deemed September 30 as a day for listening, learning with Indigenous people so that we might learn of what occurred in residential schools. We are to also listen for stories of what these children now decades later experienced as great losses.

Jesus said, ”Let the children come to me for such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14. The government and churches of different denominations were the ones who established the residential schools yet when the children were taken away from their homes, parents often did not see them for months or ever again. The intention was to train the children in the ways of the settlers and to teach Christian values. But what was lost in these schools was family, Indigenous culture and language and the sense of self worth and dignity.

As we take time this week to put on an orange shirt or ribbon and reflect on over 150,000 children who went to these schools let us remember the losses. We are called to remember those who went home in culture shock and the many whom we now know are buried in unmarked graves.

As we seek to understand and learn it is the hope of the government and for each Canadian to learn of this part of history and to seek answers and to ask questions. We are also to seek forgiveness for those in the past so that in the future we will walk with Indigenous people.

On this first Orange Shirt Day- let us listen, learn and grow. It is important for understanding our history as it is for our future as Canadians.

 

PRAYER: God enable us to celebrate the hope and joy of every child; To tell the stories of resistance that make us stronger and to build the bonds of solidarity to ensure “never again”. In the name of the one who was child among us. Amen.  (Kairos 2018)   

Give Peace a Chance to Work. (Stop, Reflect, Respect and Grow Your Obligation to Serve)

 

September 22, 2021

This week is recognized as Legion Week across the country

and as we look to the work of the Royal Canadian Legion we must give thanks for the tireless workers who keep this organization going in support of veterans and their families.

On September 21 I had the privilege of sharing with members of the RCL Branch 594 in two Cemetery Memorial services wherein we gather at the memorials located in to local cemeteries and share in what is known as a “Traditional Act of Remembrance”. Through the playing and singing of “O Canada”, hearing the “Last Post” and “Rouse” sharing in prayers and just pausing for a few moments, those present took time to remember those fallen men and women who served for the sake of Canada.

In 1981 the United Nations declared September 21 as the International Day for Peace and for these last 30 years they have chosen a theme which reflects the state of the world. “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world” is the theme for 2021. As the world heals from the covid19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable and healthier. 

The theme acknowledges that the world is recovering from the global pandemic. But this recovery is not equal around the world as most vaccinations have been administered to those in the affluent countries, turned down by many when at the same time many countries have not received one dose.  Because of this inequality of distribution, there are countries which are still hurting and grieving the deaths of people.

This UN theme also raises the concern of sustainability of Earth as climate change occurs and people’s lives are challenged by fires, floods, droughts and destruction. People around the world have been facing situations which have not occurred to the extent of loss and destruction that is happening now. So we must do something to unite us not only in peace, but in sustainability of our earth.  We must also remember our neighbours around the world and reach out to them offering them vaccines and hope.

Let us remember the prayer upon thousands of Peace Poles placed in Earth today and share our hope in prayer:

PRAYER: May peace prevail on earth, O God.  Not just as we share in this Day of Peace or Legion Week but that peace will become something we take for granted all around the world. May peace begin with us we pray. In Jesus’ name we ask. Amen.

Is Christ Part Of Your New Normal?

 

It’s been a while since a blog entry and in these intervening months both
a lot of things have changed as well as many things have stayed the same.

The pandemic is still with us and covid19 cases are on the rise again especially amongst those who have chosen not to be vaccinated. Vaccination clinics remain open across towns and cities all over Canada- some busier than others. Schools have reopened for children and youth with special scheduling of classes and limited mixing of children. Universities and colleges are offering some inclass sessions but it depends upon the program and the numbers of young people involved in a particular program.

With the pandemic  many deaths have occurred leaving many people grieving. I too grieve and mourn the death of my mom not because of covid19 but because of cancer and how quickly she declined. Like many families we could not have a traditional memorial gathering but were limited to outdoors and a smaller number of people to be with us.  But unlike others who died in hospital without family members beside them, my family was with my mom as she died at home.

A federal election was called with only 36 days to campaign and sway eligible voters. Many Canadians believed it was and is the wrong to have an election but it is upon us now. So get out and vote as you are able! With this election looming, our governments are at a standstill in deciding next steps for opening the economy and the country to trade and to respond to the many needs of the people who are hurting, homeless and facing troubling times.

What else has changed? The way we work has changed in many industries. Working from home is great as it saves driving vehicles, commute time and even what clothes one wears. But what is lost is a sense of comradery, connecting with co-workers and even the ability to talk to others about outside interests. Lost is the water cooler discussions over common experiences except the current tasks.  There are many companies considering reducing their office space and offering remote work to the next generation on a permanent basis. A reason for this is that new hires do not have opportunities to find apartments or affordable housing. Affordable housing is a major issue in these times. Houses which used to sell for $200,000 are now sold for double or triple the cost with mortgage payments well into thousands each month. This is a concern and how and when it will end is uncertain.

But there is hope in the hearts of those who believe in God. Sure, many people have asked where has God been since the pandemic began? How and why are we enduring such a fate? Is God up to something to bring about change in the world? Or just what is it that calls us to be hopeful?

Jesus came into the world to bring hope. Are we searching for hope or the means by which we may receive eternal hope? Jesus offers us this hope even in this world of change and challenge; of routine and uncertainty. For having hope in Jesus means living today while looking to tomorrow with loving others. Hope is alive in those who love God. Hope is something we each need for without it our life loses its meaning.  Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly". We are each seeking an abundant life in the midst of challenge and change. We need to hold on to hope in Christ.

PRAYER: God of grace and love, thank you for the hope that comes in Christ. Enable us to have hope and to put our faith in Jesus who brings this hope alive in all who believe. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.