Last week I accompanied a group of Catholic educators from the various dioceses of New Zealand on a hikoi to the Hokianga. We visited significant sites associated with the early beginnings of our Church including Motiti where the remains of Bishop Pompallier rest beneath the altar in the beautiful church of 'Hata Maria', and Totara Point where the first Mass was celebrated on January 13th, 1838 by the same bishop. We journeyed as 'pilgrims of hope', in keeping with the theme of the Jubilee Year.
The photograph above is taken from Motukaraka Marae where we stayed the first night under the watchful gaze and protection of the descendants of Ngai tupoto in the wharenui.
We had a unique experience on our journey north on Ash Wednesday, stopping at the Waipoua forest to visit, Tane Mahuta, the giant kauri tree so precious to this country and commemorated the beginning of Lent with a brief liturgy and distribution of ashes. In the photograph below, you see us united and happy sharing in our common faith and tradition, dwarfed by the ancient tree reported to be around 2000 years old.
Manuel Beazley, the vicar for Maori for the Catholic Diocese of Auckland, shown on the far left, discussed the significance of safeguarding Tane Mahuta from Kauri dieback disease, which has severely affected kauri trees elsewhere in the country. To protect the tree and prevent the disease from entering the park, we must brush and spray our shoes before entering the forest. The elevated boardwalk also serves as a barrier from the forest floor and the tree's roots. Even one spore of the disease could be deadly to this magnificent taonga.
Given the beginning of Lent, I made the link with personal and social sin and how it too can have a devastating affect on our lives and relationships. Lust for power, greed and pride takes its toll. We see it being played out locally and internationally. Lent is an opportunity for us to reflect, re-centre and cleanse ourselves from those things that can lead us away from each other and the true source of our peace and joy, the Lord our God, the one we worship and serve.
Jesus today in the Gospel of Luke 4:1-13 is faced by those demons in the desert and prevails against them. Come, Lord Jesus, be with us in our trials and tribulations. Help us too to prevail.
The song I have chosen for you this week is 'Bow down before you' track 8, from 'Holy Land'.
We bow down before the Lord in humility and serve him alone.
Blessings on your week and Lenten Journey as pilgrims of hope.
Let us continue to pray for Pope Francis who continues to pray for us and his intention for World Peace.
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