Vicar's Letter - 6 February 2022

Kia ora All Saints Whanau,

I write this from my caravan parked in our driveway as we prepare to move closer to our neighbourhood that we minister in. We have yet to find a house but will see what comes up in the next couple of weeks.

We will gather this week on Waitangi Day, our nations day to focus on the beginnings, the struggles and the journey it has been to be treaty partners in this beautiful whenua (land). The treaty itself was born out of a wanting to partner with the queen to protect Māori, the whenua and all that was here. It has been horrific for Māori in this journey. But to me it is important to recognise that many of the stories I have heard where Māori have been mistreated is out of people wanting to get all they wanted.

This is the gospel imperative - where we can give up our rights (because we realise they were not ours in the first place) and all we wanted and in fact serve the other. In our reading this week from Luke I can see two clear parts where the disciples realises their own shortcomings.

First, Peter after Jesus has done a miracle:
"When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”"
Peter recognises his own sinfulness and that he is not worthy to be before Jesus. He recognises his place is before Jesus the king.

Secondly, the disciples at the end of the passage:
"So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
They listen and they obey what Jesus is saying.

So may we do the same and not make the mistakes of our ancestors and those around us who go after their own gain. Rather may we go after kingdom gains and recognise our place at the feet of Jesus because we are welcomed there not because we are worthy.

See you soon Hataitai we are moving into the area and I am coming to you because I am trying to listen to what Jesus told me to do.

Andrew Spence
On behalf of the Co-Vicars.