Saint Millie's Epistle to the Aotearoans


In the foamy and rowdy wake from the resignation of our esteemed leader, PM Jacinda Adern, I have been imagining to myself how a modern-day epistle from Saint Paul, the new testament letter writer would read. Bearing in mind that Paul was a learned man, well studied in theology, a social commentator for his time and an accurate essayist of the political and cultural climate, plus an advocate for the disadvantaged and certainly not a misogynist. A man of relevance and intelligence, someone that I would enjoy a little chin wag with over a glass of Pinot Noir from a local vintner.

Because it's the 21st century and I possibly face copyright issues in using Paul's name and title, the letter to the Aotearoans is written by Saint Millie of Pariri, as women can be Saints now, as well as Pastors, Vicars and Prime Ministers. They make damn fine ones too! Of course we have yet to see the feminine grace sit in the big chair at the oval office but let's hopes she black, and a liberal Christian lefty - that'll get "them" going.

I thought Saint Millie's first epistle might go something like this...

Grace and peace to you my brothers and sisters of Aotearoa in this sad and trying time

I mention you always in my prayers to God the father, that He would be gracious towards your country and all your fellow men whilst you transition through another rocky season of life. For it has come to my attention that there have been many divisions and disagreements concerning differences of opinion, fractious allegiances to political parties, and continued protests and disruptions to normal life, plus an unprecedented amount of vitriolic, aggressive speech and posts online towards your government.

It is with much sadness that I learnt, while on a journey home from Vanuatu, that your revered, though often disrespected leader, has had to resign from her seat as head of Government, and the future of her political party now hangs in the balance. I wished that she could have departed from her appointment with graciousness, peace and the blessing of the country, for she certainly deserved honour and congratulations . Instead I hear of cheering at her departure, booing, vile remarks, denigration of her and continued misogynists' remarks as certain parties continue to blame her for all of the nation's difficulties and problems. And it has also came to my attention that preceding her resignation, she received multiple death threats to herself, and her young family.

It grieves me to be admonishing you all in a time when your country needs to band together, link arms and walk with a united vision of making Aotearoa great again; a land that should be safe, humble and kind. Your country has seen some very testing times and tribulations in the past six or more years and if not for the prayers of the ardent and loyal saints, and the strong leadership of Ms. Adern, you all could very well have perished from the covid pandemic and more besides. It is with much dismay that I see a lot of blaming and shaming online, mostly directed at the government but also at one another. The Apostle Paul warned us in one of his previous Epistles to the Galatians, "but if you always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

Aotearoa is still a land that flows with milk and honey. Deep within the country's psyche, a desire for truth and goodness still spurns the people on, "there is much work to be done!" Not by the government, but by the people who live here. 

I implore you all to stop warring against each other, turning against neighbours, family members, and the innocents in the street. Strive at all times to live at peace with one another, encourage one another. Greet one another with a kiss. Rejoice! 

Also, we should remember the kindness of our former Prime Minister towards all peoples and especially her compassionate inclusivity of Muslim people after the Christchurch mosque shootings. I was in great admiration of the swiftness with which she acted to have the heinous videos of the shootings taken off line. 

It is my wish that we as a country could move through life with a similar grace and bravery, as Ms Adern, and to stand for those who struggle daily in this harsh world.

I hope to come and see you soon but until a way is made for me, may the grace of our Lord be with you all until we meet again. In the meantime, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you.

Blessings and peace to you

Sister Millie of Pariri



"And the lion shall lay down with the lamb."

 

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