As the end of the liturgical year approaches, we begin our annual tour through apocalyptic literature, strongly worded and somewhat disturbing fantasies written in a poetic and metaphoric style.

It would be easy to make the mistake of interpreting these passages literally or simply dismissing them as raving fantasy. Sometimes strong language and extreme rhetoric is needed to shake us out of our complacency and force us to sit up, listen and look deeply within.

Possibly like many of you my first reaction to Hone Harawira email was “oh dear…not good”. But as the week has progressed I find myself remembering that the prophets of the Old Testament and Jesus himself said and did things that caused outrage and even their death. Perhaps the price of this out burst may be the death of Mr. Harawira’s political life. But the question I have been asking myself is this, what is it that has made this man so angry that he reacted in this manner?

The prophets of old and today all point to where we have broken covenant and the path back to Shalom.  Sure his language was inappropriate, but I we should not condemn or dismiss too quickly. Instead, overlook that factor and really see what Mr. Harewira is pointing to:  Generations of colonial land thefts and most recently the NZ foreshore and sea bed.

I think that this is an opportunity for us look deeply within, and begin the process of reconciliation. But in order for this to happen we need to rectify the many wrongs inflicted upon the Maori people.

It is true that the Waitangi Tribunal has gone a long way towards this, but you cannot wipe generations of betrayal and hurt with money. We have to show by our actions now and in the future that our apology is real.

As a follower of Christ I feel called to accept this challenge he lays down before us and one way is to work to put pressure on our Government to repeal the Foreshore and Seabed legislation.

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