Thought For The Week 26 June

Last week I had the privilege of sharing in a Zoom seminar with Rev. Dr. Wayne te Kaawa, Maori Chaplain at Otago University and former moderator of the Maori Synod Te Aka Puaho.

Wayne shared with us his understanding of the Matariki festival, and encouraged us to   engage, as followers of Jesus, with the celebration of this festival.

Matariki is a constellation of 7 stars that rises in the early morning sky at this time of year. In te Ao Maori, the rising of Matariki represents the ending of the old year, and the beginning of the new. There are several themes in this festival that resonate with our Christian faith.  Matariki is the time to dig up the old, and to plant the new. It is a time of remembrance and thanksgiving. It is a time of restoration and reconciliation. It is a time of caring for creation and caring for people. It is a time of thanksgiving for the past. It is a time of hope for the future.

So as we celebrate Matariki this year may it be, for you, a time of prayerful reflection. Of letting go of the old, and embracing the new, as we allow ourselves to be renewed and refreshed by the Spirit of Christ, who brings new life to all.

Rory