Some thoughts on St. George, St. Paul, and living in hope

Last weekend at our St. George’s Day celebration I was reminded what a blessing it is to be the vicar of this parish. It is a privilege to be among such good people serving as your vicar. To be part of a church community situated on this sacred hill, this wahi tapu, with this story of tragedy and hope is a gift. And to have St. George, Hori Tapu, as our patron saint is such a bonus.

Over the last few weeks we have been exploring St. Paul and his letter to the churches in Rome. I have used the work of N.T. Wright and others to remind us that Paul was always a Jew. A radical Jew indeed, but a Jew none the less. For him the coming of the messiah was all about the fulfilment of the covenant with Israel – which was not about getting into heaven, but about the restoration of humanity and renewal of creation – the return to Eden. Paul believed (as did the gospel writers) that in Jesus death this was achieved, and that the people of God, including Gentiles (us) were to live in this new reality. If we really believe this what might this world look like? How are we invited to live to give expression to this new world?

At our celebration last weekend we heard some of the story of our parish with both Archbishop David Moxon and Clark Houltram talking about the 80’s and “the fire”. And we retold the story of George, a Roman Tribune based in Turkey with the Emperor Diocletian, who died confronting the  Emperor about his unjust and immoral command that all Roman soldiers were to sacrifice to him as god/emperor, and if they refused (which Christians would) they were to be executed. All these are stories of living out the hope that the covenant is fulfilled, humanity restored and creation renewed. We were reminded that we are the ongoing part of those stories.

At the vestry planning day in May, some of our plans revolved around the growing income and wealth inequality in this country which is seen in the visibly growing issue of homelessness. We have encouraged you all to give generously each week to the foodbank. Our Harvest Festival service in June was an opportunity to give a significant amount. Well done. But we need to keep that up. But as people who believe that humanity is restored we need to not only support Foodbank and the work of Peter Williams at Te Tuinga Whanau with the houses they run for homeless families, we need to ask why this is happening and what can be done about it. This year is an election year. A time for us to vote for the party and individual who we think offers the policies and vision that will help address these and other issues important to us.

May these last months of Ordinary Time be a time when we might live the hope offered by Paul that in Christ all is fulfilled, and that through our lives and ministry  as the people of God, all humanity is restored and  creation renewed. May you know God’s peace and goodness in all you do.