By Rev. Andy Fleming, Chaplain

I have always been struck by how our younger students are, mostly, able to move on after a disagreement. They typically show a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, going on to being able to continue a relationship. In many ways, these students are a good example of how, as Christians, we need to walk along a path of healing and reconciliation.

Throughout this semester, many Year 12 students have been working hard, organising this year’s Dirrum Dirrum Festival that will be taking place on 17 August. Inspired by the events of the turmoil many in our wider community have experienced since the 2019-20 bushfires, Covid lockdowns, the war in Ukraine and Gaza, and the Voice referendum, the theme for this year's Dirrum Dirrum is Makarrata. As you may be aware, Makarrata is a word in the Yolngu language meaning a coming together after a struggle through facing up to and ‘owning’ past wrongs and moving forward to live in peace again.

Christians can appreciate the opportunity for grace that is being offered us through embracing this concept of Makarrata. We can consider where we have been wronged, and where we have wronged others, taking up the opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation. As the Dirrum Dirrum Festival website explains, “we are also drawn to the word Makarrata due to its promise of hope and a way forward amid struggle in a range of personal and political contexts.”

Over the next few weeks, the Dirrum Dirrum Festival organisers will share articles, providing insight into this year’s festival speakers, stalls and other details. I strongly encourage coming along to the Dirrum Dirrum Festival in August.

The prayer below based on Luke 9.46-48, by Pádraig Ó Tuama:

Jesus of the Way,
When your friends argued
about power and prestige
you stood someone
unnoticed by them all among them
and spoke of welcome.
May we who are powerful
look beyond our power;
may we who are unnoticed
be noticed;
may we find the welcome
that waits for us.
And in so doing
welcome you
who welcomes us.
Amen.

Go in Peace,

Rev. Andy