Today is a significant day in many
respects. Given the military’s
involvement in the shaping and reshaping of our nation, for many people the
focus will be towards Queen Elizabeth Barracks and the Handover Parade when
current Commander and Head of Government , Commodore Bainimarama will be bid
farewell according to Naval tradition and a new commander for the RFMF will be
formally welcomed.
For the Christian community in Fiji and
around the world, today also is a significant day. It is Ash Wednesday.
Many religions observe a season of
fasting and/or personal reflection and spiritual renewal before a major
religious festival or observance. Christians of many traditions begin today a
period of reflection, personal sacrifice and spiritual renewal that will last
40 days until Passion or Holy Week which marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, includes the commemoration
of the Last Supper, and His Passion:
betrayal, arrest, trial, torture, suffering, the shame of the cross and
death; and concludes with the celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Last Sunday, many churches marked an
event in Jesus ministry known as the Transfiguration. For those who are unfamiliar with this, tThe Transfiguration
of Jesus is an episode in the New Testament narrative of the Christian Scriptures in which Jesus is transfigured (or
metamorphosed) and becomes radiant upon a mountain. The Synoptic
Gospels (Matthew 17:1–9,Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28–36) describe it,
and 2 Peter 1:16–18 refers to it.
Preaching at Dudley Church I shared a
reflection on the Transfiguration, in which I described it as transformation
from within and a transformation of understanding.
Sometimes, when we
feel the pain and suffering of those around us who are oppressed we are faced
with difficult decisions, and we ask ourselves what we should do – what is our
responsibility as a Christian – what is God calling us to do.” When this
happens we share something in the hope that the things may change. This is the
time when we experience the presence of God who leads us toward the future full
of hope. This is the moment when God speaks to us and we become so enlightened
as to understand the meaning. The fruit of this transformation is a life
willing to serve, loving God and neighbour and a life willing to submit to the
will of God even at great personal cost.
Last Saturday, 1st
of March was “Zero Discrimination Day.” Zero Discrimination against those
living with HIV and AIDS. This coming Saturday is International Women’s Day
with the theme “Inspiring Change” - It calls for challenging the status quo for
women's equality and vigilance inspiring positive change. We continue to hear
stories of discrimination, of violence, of abuse against the vulnerable in our
community.
How many of us
prefer to have only a spiritual experience of God without connecting to the
realities we face with the same passion, commitment. The challenge for us as
Christians is to understand our role as sons and daughters of God, to transform
our way of thinking and judging those that look, talk and behave differently
from ourselves.
The Lenten journey
is an opportunity for a large portion of the Fijian population to undertake a
spiritual transformation that will enable us to see the common things of earth,
sky and sea with a new wonder and fresh joy. It will also enable us to see the
presence of Jesus within ourselves and in the people who cross our path, even
if they drive us crazy. We may think that such an attitude is too difficult to
acquire but it is something that we can continuously ask for and desire. In
this sense, Transfiguration is transformation in understanding.
Lent is a time for transforming
ourselves, cleansing our bodies, our mind and our souls. As our country
prepares for general elections, we call on t God to transform us to be agents
of grace, mercy and love. It is a time to commit to transforming our country
into a place of tolerance, respect, and understanding. Let us commit to
transforming this world in to a new creation of justice, equality and respect
for all God’s creatures.
This Lent, the Fiji
Council of Churches is collaborating with the Pacific Conference of Churches to
host a series of weekly “Lenten Talks”, beginning next Tuesday at 7pm at Dudley
Memorial Church on the corner of Amy Street and Toorak Road in Suva.
The theme for the
Lenten Talks is “theme is: “The
Call to Conversion: the formation of a people into God’s vision of life”.
Basically, the talks are about the Biblical vision for God’s creation and present
the Biblical vision of society as a way for Christians to reflect and prepare
themselves and their communities for the Holy week and Easter.
The topics are
as follows:
·
March
12th: Topic – Formation in morality
·
March
19th: Topic – Formation in
governance
·
March
26th: Topic – Formation in social
justice
·
April
2nd: Topic – Formation in caring
for the environment
·
April
9th: Topic – Formation in the
kingdom of God
The
talks are open to anyone and everyone who is interested, regardless of what
Church you attend, what Christian tradition you follow, what religion you
observe or spiritual path you follow. Refreshments are provided. For more
information email padrejames@gmail.com.
May your week and
this season of Lent, be blessed with love, light and peace.
“Simplicity,
Serenity, Spontaneity”
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