Daylight - Pastor's Pen for 26th April 2026

I'll be bringing prayers, a dedication and a benediction at the Browns Bay ANZAC dawn service again this year, which means a very early start. It's always a privilege to be asked to officiate.

The sun will rise, but on what? Not even the RSA is in unity, there are two factions trying to find a viable way into their future in Aotearoa. We have a world currently held ransom by old, rich, corrupt and powerful men, in which war is like a game. Children, journalists, medical workers, priests, citizens and armed services personnel are pawns in the game, chips to be gambled - expendable. The weapons industry gets rich. Apparently the post 1945 rules-based order of things no longer applies. New Zealand appears not to have much of an opinion on this, keeping our head down. We dignify the fallen of the great wars, but this new one is simply a disgrace.

What can you and I do? Not much, aside from pray. Yet we can always do good in the time and space God has given us, this gift of a life. Jesus encouraged his disciples with these words; "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world." We are called to live in the light, to pray, to offer hospitality and bring healing and blessing when and where we can. Apostle Paul urged the Ephesian church; "For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true."

Pope Leo recently prayed; "May the madness of war cease and the Earth be cared for and cultivated by those who still know how to bring forth, protect and love life. Hear us, Lord of life! " We can say AMEN to that.