Reflection on Aboriginal Spirituality
By Fr Nick de Groot SVD
The Voice to Parliament was defeated! The pain and hurt is still tangible. I feel that we, as a country, have failed to take that step towards healing and reconciliation that is still so necessary. But true love is stronger than all the darkness and negativity. “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jn 1:4
As a Province of SVD Missionaries, we have expanded our ministry at the request of various Bishops, to minister more closely with our Aboriginal sisters and brothers. The venture is vast and complex, but also beautiful and rewarding. The Aboriginal spirituality is deep and wide. There is much we can learn from their prayers and blessings. Below I have added a blessing which I think we can so easily ponder on and take to heart. Is the Fire, the Holy Fire of the Spirit?
FIRE BLESSING.
May the fire be in our thoughts,
Making them true, good and just,
May it protect us from all harm.
May the fire be in our eyes,
May it open our eyes to see what is good in life,
May it protect us from speaking evil against another.
May the fire be in our ears,
We pray that we may hear with a deep, deep listening,
So that we may hear the flow of water
And of all Creation and the Dreaming.
May we be protected from gossip.
And from those things that harm and break down our family.
May the fire be in our arms and hands,
So that we may be of service and build up love,
May the fire protect us from all violence.
May the fire be in our whole being,
In our legs and feet,
Enabling us to walk the earth with respect and care,
So that we may journey in ways of goodness and trust
And be protected from walking away from what is true.
(A gift from Burnum Burnum, Australian Aboriginal Elder. January 26th, 1995)
Have a Good Year,
Nick de Groot