Faith in Action

James is one of my favourite books in the Bible (and also the name of my other favourite son). This little letter is famous for its practical encouragement and profound reproof. Perhaps its most quoted line is 2.26, variously translated as "faith without works is dead." James embraced the proposition that believing in Jesus required action. For him, it was the antidote to hypocrisy.

At Dio, we are proud of our efforts to live our values. It may be voluntary service at the Waikato Hospital or The Serve, or it may simply be the way we treat one another. Anything we do that aligns with what we aspire to be makes a difference - no matter how big or small. In chapel services and our prayers, we have been struggling with the crisis in Israel-Gaza. It is a subject that evokes strong feelings (not the least in me). Perhaps, like many of you, I have unambiguous views on what is happening. As a chaplain, however, my position is simple. The only side we can take is at Jesus' right hand. He is the Prince of Peace. He rejects violence of all kinds. So must we all. 

As a result, students and staff were invited to walk in a Peace March. Our message was simple: kia mau te rongo - kia uu te rangimarie (Let there be peace - Let peace prevail). This was not a march against Israel or for Palestinians. It was a plea for peace: a prayer that not one more hostage is taken, not one more bomb is dropped, not one more child is killed.

So we raised our banner and marched to make a difference - to demonstrate that we enact what we claim with our lips in our lives. We pray that the difference starts with us and that we grow God's Kingdom by prioritising peace. May all those who walked know they walked alongside Jesus. May all those who suffer find sanctuary. May all those decision-makers take responsibility and make peace happen.

Amen.