Love and the Referendum
Pentecost 22; Matthew 22:34-46, Deuteronomy 34:1-12
“Love God. Love neighbour.” Jesus said
that these are life’s great laws.
Did those who voted “No” that day
let love give cause to pause?
If we refuse to listen, can
First Nations know we care?
Both lovers urged us to say “Yes”,
but fear was louder there.
“Voice. Treaty. Truth.” the elders wrote.
Expediency said “No”.
Then racist voices grew in strength,
and let their hatred show.
And so this shameful history
goes on beyond that day.
Now have we glimpsed the Promised Land,
but perished on the way?
Barbara Messner 26/10/2023
Barb, poet priest 
This is powerful.
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I’m very angry and ashamed at the negative result to the request for a First Nations voice to parliament to be enshrined in the constitution. I hated the fear mongering, political expediency and racism that surfaced in the “No” campaign.
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I have thought these things of you Referendum but, of course, could never speak them, given the situation here. I am glad for your voice and others everywhere in the world.
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Thanks Maren. It’s good to know that there are like-minded people internationally to balance the disappointment we feel with national failures.
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O, yes,, indeed.
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