The Spirit Catcher sculpture by Ron Baird is installed at the waterfront in Barrie ON. I took this picture earlier this month when we visited and, like many other Indigenous memorials, numerous childrens' shoes and toys were placed at the base. Today we remember the lives of Indigenous children and adults who have died due to injustice related to systemic racism in our society.
Sadly, the Christian church was complicit in the abuse of children at residential schools. Faith focused on fear and subjugation rather than love is destructive and not Christ-like at all.
A new translation of the New Testament was published in August this year. It is called First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament. The Beatitudes from Matthew 5 are beautifully translated. It is my prayer for today. The paintings are by Canadian Indigenous artists.
Blessings of the Good Road
Creator's blessing rests on the poor, the ones with broken spirits.
The good road from above is theirs to walk
Creator's blessing rests on the ones who walk a trail of tears,
For he will wipe the tears from their eyes and comfort them.
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| Healing all Nations- Simone McLeod |
Creator's blessing rests on the ones who walk softly and in a humble manner.
The earth, land and sky will welcome them and always be their home.
Creator's blessing rests on the ones who hunger and thirst for wrongs to be made right again.
They will eat and drink until they are full.
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| Seven Fallen Feathers- Christian Morrisseau |
Creator's blessing rests on the ones who are merciful and kind to others.
Their kindness will find its way back to them-- full circle
Creator's blessing rests on the pure in heart.
They are the ones who will see the Great Spirit.
Creator's blessing rests on the ones who make peace. It will be said of them,
"They are children of the Great Spirit!"
Creator's blessing rests on the ones who are hunted down and mistreated
for doing what is right, for they are walking the good road from above.
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| Family- Betty Albert |
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