Rev Julie Guest and Paul Bryant light the Paschal Candle in front of the congregation outside St Paul’s Rangiaowhia Church at the Easter Sunday Service of the Light. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
This morning, I was one of a group waiting outside St Patrick’s Catholic church ready to begin our annual Walk of Witness, an annual event when the congregations of St Patrick’s and St John’s, walk the main street of Te Awamutu between our two churches.
Rev Julie Guest
In a very small way, this walk, following a cross carried by volunteers, recognises Jesus’ journey, as he was made to carry the cross to which he would be nailed.
Today as we gathered to walk, a car pulled up and a smiling chap popped out. “I’m from Pak n Save,” he said. “We’ve got an abundance of Hot Cross Buns left over. I’m visiting local churches wondering if you can use them.”
Both churches accepted gratefully, knowing people we can give such treats to. What thoughtfulness and generosity that was-exactly the type of attitude the Jesus whose agonising death we remembered on Good Friday demonstrated in his life.
Earlier that morning, as I was heading to St Patrick’s, I noticed a young man in the street looking agitated. I was heading to an appointment, so I continued but remained concerned for him. I was upset to see someone filming the young man in his distress, and others watching, pointing and laughing. I was struck by the similarity between the cries of the crowd for Jesus to be crucified, and today’s crowd finding entertainment in this man’s distress.
When our group followed the cross through Te Awamutu, he had gone. I hoped he’d found shelter. I was happy to learn later that there were also caring members of the public who, realising that he was too distressed to be safe, called the police.
Christine Bryant, left, and Rev Julie Guest. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
In all my dealings with police in Te Awamutu, I have found them responsive and caring. They know and feel concern for the same people many of us in Te Awamutu do, those without homes and with little personal resource to manage life. In this case, I’m told the police arrived promptly and took him to a place of care.
This echoes the Jesus’ response that the Pak n Save man also showed. Kindness and care. Sharing what we have. Going out of our way to look after others.
We often hear, even in Te Awamutu about acts of destruction, theft and hurt. I have shared that we at St John’s have experienced vandalism and theft and felt upset and betrayed.
Christine Bryant has written of St John’s gratitude to the people of Te Awamutu for helping to fund the restoration of the stained glass windows in St Paul’s Rangiaowhia, and also to our insurance company who have covered a roof replacement following copper theft. Good things do happen.
But as Jesus encouraged us all to see, they only happen if we do as He commanded. That we love God above all and treat others as we ourselves would wish to be treated. This week as we remember both the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the sacrifice of those who died in war to ensure we could thrive in peace, let us honour the sacrifice of both, by committing to live our lives facing into God’s love and for the benefit of others.
Rev Julie Guest and Paul Bryant light the Paschal Candle in front of thecongregation outside St Paul’s Rangiaowhia Church at the Easter Sunday Service of the Light. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
