Kia ora from the Vicar General, Mark Barlow.
Around our Diocese: Sumner-Redcliffs parishioners and Vicar, Rev’d Harry Newton celebrated Leah’s baptism on the beach with her family and loved ones two weeks ago. The following week, Dame Sue Bagshaw was the guest speaker at the annual Christ’s College Pink Lunch for the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October.
Yesterday in the calendar we remembered Saints Simon and Jude, two apostles who were disciples of Jesus during His earthly ministry. The reason that we remember them on the same day is that, according to church tradition, these two travelled and ministered together, carrying on the principle of two-by-two in Persia. Eventually, they were even martyred together, apparently in what is now Beirut.
Reflecting on the significance of such a faithful ministry partnership, I could not help but remember and give thanks for the people with whom I have shared partnerships in ministry. Sometimes fellow clergy, sometimes lay leaders, sometimes wise and mature mentors in the faith, sometimes new believers fuelled by the zeal of their recent conversions.
Whether they be short or long, we are all blessed to have had these associations, all of which are good to remember and to give thanks for. Unlike the two aforementioned apostles, ours have not (as yet) led to martyrdom, but I pray for all of us, and for the partnerships that we are in now, that they may be as faithful, devoted and effective as that of Saint Simon and Saint Jude.
One way that we can all partner together is in the business of being people of prayer. I hope that we can commit together to praying in these days for all who have been adversely affected by the recent stormy weather, especially for those who are still without electricity, and face the prospect of remaining so for days to come.
In the gospel for this coming Sunday (Luke 19:1-10), we have the chief tax collector Zacchaeus, despised by many but loved by Jesus. As I reflect on our Lord’s actions, I cannot help, like Zacchaeus, to be amazed and moved by Him. Here is what struck home. Jesus knew His man. Whether by reputation or by inspiration of the Holy Spirit He discerned the one in greatest need and, rather than scorning or avoiding this arch-sinner, the Lord revealed to him, and to the crowd, the true nature of God. A God of mercy who triumphs over judgement, a God who isn’t fazed by the condescension of others but brings salvation to the houses of sinners when they look into His face and see their worth to the God of Abraham.
This is the Master in whose footsteps we walk and whose ways we seek to emulate. May we be blessed and be a blessing as we do.
Arohanui ki a koutou katoa
Vicar General Mark Barlow