Notes from Yukiko’s Desk

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As warnings were being sounded ahead of Cyclone Vaianu last weekend, we, AGAC community, decided to cancel the Sunday services. Fortunately, Sunday came and went. Few of the direst warnings came to pass. That said, we are mindful that in some areas, people were left without power, their houses were flooded or damaged. The cyclone might have veered away from Aotearoa, but climate change is making extreme weather more likely. To me, the cyclone was a stark reminder of our new reality— one where extreme weather event of unprecedented frequency and intensity are reshaping how human societies must adapt to survive and thrive on a rapidly changing planet. What is our responsibility as an Easter people?

As I was reading the Gospel passage assigned last Sunday quietly at home, God took me to the upper room where the disciples were hiding. We might well be housebound in our own upper room. But I wonder if we are truly listening to the words of the risen Christ, ‘Peace be with you’ there. I also wondered if we are listening to the cries of the earth attentively. In a world filled with constant news, we might feel so overwhelmed with negativity, conflict and need around us. However, in fact, within those headlines, I believe, is a place to be with the risen Christ.

So, shall we listen to those who cry out to us from the war-torn places of our world together?

I am taking a couple of days annual leave from Friday to Tuesday. I thank Rev. Colleen Binns who is taking a service at Holy Cross this Sunday.

Kia tau te rangimārie ki a koutou (Peace be with you).

Yukiko

 
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