THE STARS ARE ALIGNED
When asked to write this week’s insert for the newsletter, the brief was that I reference to Matariki. I thought this was a big ask and was not sure how I could do this. So, you can imagine my joy when I looked up the readings for this Sunday and found that the association between the Matariki constellation and the readings were closely aligned. It reminded me of the recent sharing at the Alpha course on how to read the Bible and how so many people were able to randomly open the Bible and find some inspiration.
This weekend’s readings are all about growing our relationship with God. The Matariki stars all hold dominion over aspect of our environment. Like Tupuānuku, the star associated with everything that grows from the soil to be harvested or gathered for food we are called to be that fertile soil and allow the word of God to bear fruit through us, by our actions deeds and words.
The Matariki constellation has three stars that is associated with water. There is the Waitī, which refers to flowing freshwater and the Waitā which is associated with the ocean. The third star is Waipuna-ā-rangi which is connected to rain and other atmospheric conditions. In the first reading, the word of God is compared to “rain and snow” which brings nourishment and produce fruitful results. We get our spiritual nourishment by engaging with God’s word on a regular basis, through personal reflection (body of freshwater) and then by taking this out into the big world by sharing and making it part of the wider world (the ocean). Like most freshwater on earth that flows into the see, we are called to proudly share and spread the word of God with others. For anything to grow in the fields, it requires pollination, either through insects or the wind. The Ururangi star is linked to wind in the same way that the Holy Spirit is our wind that assists and guides us in spreading the word of God.
Hiwi-i-te-rangi the next star in the constellation is associated with the granting of wishes and helping realise our aspirations. The parable of the sower has a lot to do with realising our aspirations. If the word of God is planted in fertile soil (our hearts), watered (done regulary) and nourished (reflected upon) it will bear fruit and have a positive impact on those around us and help in our growth and fruitfulness.
Finally, the Pohutukawa star in the constellation is associated with those who have died. While there is not specific reference to this in the readings today, it does have a personal message for me as over the next week, we will remember the birthdays of my two sisters, who both passed away too early, but I know they will always shine as stars in the night and stay in our memories. So while my ability to star gaze, starts and stops with sighting the moon, the link of the Matariki constellation to our readings this week and spiritual life in general, has brought new meaning to what Matariki is all about and I hope it has done the same for you.
Clint Ramoo
Chair – Parish Finance Committee
