Moment In Time

The Prodigal Son

As I hug my son, time seems to slow to a stop. He is dressed like a slave in rough, rugged clothes. His skin as dark as the bark of a tree. I try to look at the sky, but the sun’s bright smile makes me look away. I can feel my son’s sweat trickle down on my arm and time slowly starts again.

-Estelle

Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 in the Bay of Islands, Waitangi, North Island. The British Crown wanted to curb lawlessness and the Maori chiefs wanted to stay in power of their treasures and keep their mana. There was confusion among the Maori chiefs about what they were signing, because the translation of Maori to English was not accurate. After the Treaty was signed more settlers arrived. The British population was increasing rapidly. Maori were losing their belongings to the British Crown, especially their land. Traditionally Maori shared a large piece of land as a tribe, but, under British law, if the land didn’t belong to a specific person the Crown could take it away from them.

The British Crown committed social sins by not honouring the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. An example is that the Maori were excluded from early parliament. In 1852, the British had more settlers arriving. They appointed a governor, and they didn’t let the Maori to be a part of it. Although in 1867, the British allowed the Maori to have 4 seats in parliament but this was not fair either because 4 votes is not enough to make any change. So the Maori still had no voice in what was happening in New Zealand. As a consequence of no representation in parliament, Maori lost even more land to the British, which was another group sin. In the early 1860’s Maori had lost ⅕ of the North Island and nearly lost all of the South Island, because of unfair trades.

One way christian people can restore tika (just) and pono (truth) to the Treaty of Waitangi is by learning the Maori language so that it doesn’t become a dead language. Another way to restore tika and pono is to respect the Maori culture and rules, such as taking off your shoes when you enter a Marae, and not sitting on a table where food is.

Nativity:

I kneeled before my child, the soon to be saviour of the world. His face glowed like a halo. A little lamb went up and nuzzled my arm. His coat was as white as snow. The wind ruffled the lamb’s fur, showing the skin underneath. His skin was flamingo pink. I glanced at Jesus, and I noticed Joseph looking too. His eyes were full of happiness. I realised that this baby Jesus, would bring joy to both of our lives.

Visitation:

I put one foot inside Elizabeth’s house. I could feel the sand swadling my foot. My heart tore through my chest, making it hard to breath. Elizabeth and Zachariah greeted me with loving smiles. I immediately felt air surge through my lungs. The smell of their house welcomed me, giving me hugs and kisses. Elizabeth then said, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” My face radiated with joy.

Annunciation:

I kneeled to honor and pray. Suddenly, an angel appeared in front of me. POOF! His wings were as bright as sunshine. I was afraid, and wanted to bolt like a rabbit. The angel spoke “Fear not Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the Highest.”

I was honoured that I had found favour with God!

Shaking, I replied, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.” With that, the angel departed.

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching