Words of love and Matariki

At the heart of Matariki are themes that align deeply with Christian values – giving thanks for the harvest, remembering the past, looking ahead with hope, honouring loved ones who have died, and gathering with whānau in love and unity. We can reflect on these values  and give thanks. They are like healthy seeds that have been sown in the hearts of many people, faiths and cultures throughout the world. I see a connection with the parable of the sower and the seed in this Sunday's Gospel from Matthew 13:1-23. Adhering to these values could describe a person 'who receives the good seed in rich soil and who hears the word and understands it yielding a harvest which produces a hundredfold...…

As Christians, we worship the Creator – the one true God who made the stars. The Word of God teaches us that the maker of Heaven and earth including Pleiades/Matariki is the one who alone gives life, sustains us, and opens the way to eternity. When we look to the night sky, we are reminded of our smallness and God’s greatness and we respond in awe and worship. During this time of Matariki, may we give thanks, remember, and rejoice as we lift our eyes to the Heavens and wonder at our God’s amazing creation. 

In Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, on the care of the earth, ‘words of love’ refers to the profound reality that every creature reflects God’s boundless love and that all Creation is ‘a caress of God’. The celebration of Matariki is a time of national significance in which we can focus on the wonder of this reality.

The song I am sharing with you this week is called, 'Words of love'

Words of love

All created things

Objects of your love

Beings great and small

Sing your praise

All is precious gift

Everything that is

With our living breath

We give thanks

Your caress

With tenderness

The soil, water mountains that we share

Beauty here

Drawing near

Help us hear

Your words of love 

Build our common home

we are not alone

instruments of grace

in your hands

With your strength and light

aid our planet’s plight

hands and hearts unite

for the earth

Inspired by ‘Laudato Si’

The song 'Matariki' composed by Fr James Lyons which I put to music is also open for you to listen to if you wish. It is track 20 which you may have to scroll down to when you click on the highlighted word Matariki above.

Blessings on your week