The Last of the nomads W J Peasley + Sunday Reflection
Book
My father in law was reading this book and loaned it to me after I started reading it at his house on Thursday. Its a short but powerful narrative and I would now like to see the documentary (apprarently it won a New York Film Festival Gold Medal).
It is the story about the search for Warri and Yatungka, two of the last traditional Mandildjara tribe living in the western Gibson Desert region in Australia. It follows Dr Peasley’s journey with Mudjon (an old friend of Warri) and support people to see if they could find this couple, who had pursued a nomadic traditional existance in time of drought in the late 1970s. It was a fascinating read, thought provoking for me as it gave good insights into the sacred relationship between the Aborigional people and the land.
Sunday Reflection
I was struck too, that reading this story at this time of year was significant. There is something special about the sense of country and identity that we do not understand. One of my friends is researching in this area noting in the sense of dislocation and what it means to live away from your land and culture. This can be seen not only in Australia, but in many other places in the world currently and through history. I see also the link with the Old Testament and the significance of land and identity.
Today I was the communion steward responsible for a prayer of thanksgiving. After reading this book, thinking of pilgrimage this prayer came to mind.
It was interesting that I had not consulted about the theme for the worship but the link was so strong it could have all been planned that way. Being Palm Sunday Jeanette had also prepared her sermon on the theme of Parade and Pilgrimage, talking about the discipline of being in community. The MP3 will be up on the Canberra Baptist Website soon. Here is the prayer.
On Track (Bruce Prewer - Jesus our Future, Prayers for the Twenty first Century)
Lord of pilgrims,
when the track that looked promising
peters out and my energy is gone,
when all I can do is take shelter
from the chill wind,
then I find you waiting
with bread and wine
and a hand on my shoulder
which turns me
in a new direction
where I never expected
to travel.
Then as I set out,
surprised at the renovation
within my being,
delighted with the eagerness
which now spurs
my mind and my feet,
I discover fresh tracks,
new vistas to inspire me,
new valleys and streams,
new melodies on my tounge
and new hopes that pray
themselves into action.
Thanks, Lord of pilgrims, for your renewing Spirit. (the final words are mine) For this time to reflect on all you have done. For Lent which takes us back to basics. For this communion meal where we gather in one body to give thanks. Amen