In his current sermon series on the Beatitudes, Pastor Alan has been reminding us of the life-call of Jesus to his followers: be poor in spirit, mourn, be meek, seek righteousness. This was Jesus’ life, this is the Christian’s life-call.
This past week Canada recognized our first “National Day for Truth & Reconciliation”. A day established to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. This public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of Canada’s residential schools is seen as a vital component of the reconciliation process.
A few Reflections for us as a Christian community on this day:
- We acknowledge the wrong that has been committed against these loved ones of God, even in the name of God. We likewise acknowledge our poverty in knowing how to respond.
- We mourn for each child’s life lost and each family and community broken because of Residential schools in this country. We mourn without reserve.
- We listen in meekness to the stories of pain and injustice. Listening – without defense and with open hearts.
- We seek righteousness on behalf of the lost children and the survivors of the injustice of residential schools. How do we live rightly with our neighbours going forward?
A Prayer
God - our dearest Parent, Jesus – Brother, Holy Spirit – Comforter; we look to you today. As a nation, as individuals we are guilty of failing to love our neighbours as ourselves. The residential school system and tragic treatment of children, families & communities that it fostered is ours to bear as a shared part of our Canada’s history. We confess our sin to you. We weep for the children who were known to you, known each by name. We weep for their families. We weep for the legacy of brokenness. We weep for the evil and blindness that held them back.
Our lack of understanding of these neighbours has and continues to keep us from loving them as you love and living as you call us to live. Help us to truly listen to our neighbour’s stories, with meek and open hearts. Help us to seek your righteousness in our attitudes, and actions toward the indigenous of this country. Where we have opportunity to seek justice and peace on their behalf open our eyes to actions we can take and strengthen us to follow through.
Amen