Songs of peace, justice, and hope
Songs of peace, justice, and hope
Recently we have seen the way that music has brought people together and offered hope. From the Italian stages of Eurovision to Lismore’s muddy show grounds, artists have been sharing joy and solidarity. These occasions do not negate suffering and hardship, rather they are a sign of resistance amid struggles.
On Sunday, many Canberrans attended the inaugural European Multicultural Festival in Turner. Food and festivities were enjoyed, as well as fundraising for those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
Several Radford staff members and students were involved in the cultural activities. One staff member and her family shared a prayer written by Natalia Martyniuk entitled, ‘God did not leave Ukraine’ in Ukrainian and English. The prayer spoke of God’s presence in basements, churches, and the subway. It was a profound statement of faith and hope in a God who is present in suffering.
Along with our prayers, there are many ways of showing support. These include fortnightly food and cultural activities on Sundays at the Ukrainian Catholic Centre in Lyneham, a music for Ukraine concert at Llewellyn Hall, and a dinner and concert also at the Ukrainian Catholic Centre.
As we approach Reconciliation Day in the ACT, there are opportunities to engage with First Nations artists and activists. The activities at the National Arboretum from 10am–3pm on Monday offer a fantastic program including Uncle Johnny Huckle, who has been performing in chapels for our students this week, much to their delight!
Thomas Mayor, a leading voice in the Uluru Statement of the Heart, is speaking at Dirrum Dirrum Festival 2022 at Radford College on the evening on 6 August. Stewart Barton, a local musician, will also be performing. Not to be missed!
There are two prayers from the Anglican Church of Australia’s Prayer Book that are particularly relevant this week. A prayer for reconciliation was written by Bishop Arthur Malcolm, the first Aboriginal Bishop in Australia:
Lord God, bring us together as one,
reconciled with you and reconciled with each other.
You made us in your likeness,
you gave us your Son, Jesus Christ.
He has given us forgiveness from sin.
Lord God, bring us together as one,
different in culture, but given new life in Jesus Christ,
together as your body, your Church, your people.
Lord God, bring us together as one,
reconciled, healed, forgiven,
sharing you with others as you have called us to do.
In Jesus Christ, let us be together as one. Amen
A prayer for good government:
Spirit of justice and truth,
grant to our governments and all who serve in public life,
wisdom and skill, imagination and energy;
protect them from corruption
and the temptation of self-serving.
Help us to commit ourselves to the common good
that our land may be a secure home for all peoples,
through Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace. Amen
Blessings for the week ahead.
Katherine