Easter 6

Bible Readings

First reading: Acts 16:9-15,
Psalm: Psalm 67

Second reading: Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

Gospel: John 14:23-29, or John 5:1-9

Jesus Promises Peace

Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled,
and do not let them be afraid.

John 14:27

Announcing the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2019, Reconciliation Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Karen Mundine, said that trust and truth is the basis for all strong, equitable relationships.

“Reconciliation is ultimately about relationships and like all effective relationships the one between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians must be grounded in truth.
There can be no trust without an honest, open conversation about our history” she said.

A Poem for National Reconciliation Week

The Dawn is at Hand

Dark brothers, first Australian race,
Soon you will take your rightful place
In the brotherhood long waited for,
Fringe-dwellers no more.

Sore, sore the tears you shed
When hope seemed folly and justice dead.
Was the long night weary?
Look up, dark band,
The dawn is at hand.

Go forward proudly and unafraid
To your birthright all too long delayed,
For soon now the shame of the past
Will be over at last.

You will be welcomed mateship-wise
In industry and in enterprise;
No profession will bar the door,
Fringe-dwellers no more.

Dark and white upon common ground
In club and office and social round,
Yours the feel of a friendly land,
The grip of the hand.

Sharing the same equality
In college and university,
All ambitions of hand or brain.
Yours to attain.

For ban and bias will soon be gone,
The future beckons you bravely on
To art and letters and nation lore,
Fringe-dwellers no more.

Oodgeroo of the Noonucal Tribe