15/03/2026
On the Anniversary of the Mosque Shootings; a Rite of remembrance, aroha and prayer used during worship at St Pauls this morning ...
Today our city pauses to remember the lives lost in the tragedy of the mosque attacks. We remember those who were taken, those who still carry grief, and all whose hearts were wounded by that day.
In our Lenten journey we have been reflecting on the wisdom of the desert – the strange and often surprising way God meets people in places of emptiness, silence, and sorrow. Again and again in Scripture the wilderness becomes a place where God speaks, where despair becomes hope, and where a deeper wisdom is revealed.
The world often looks for wisdom in power, strength, and certainty.
But the wisdom of God is different.
As the apostle reminds us, “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)
In times of grief and violence, the wisdom of God can seem foolish to the world – choosing compassion instead of hatred, mercy instead of revenge, love instead of fear.
Yet it is precisely this wisdom that reveals the heart of God.
So today, as we remember and pray, we listen for God’s voice in the wilderness – trusting that even in the desert, God still speaks tenderly, and that even in the driest places, God can open a door of hope.
silence for reflection
God of mercy and peace, in the quiet places where truth is revealed and hearts are laid bare before you, we remember our city and the wounds it still carries.
As we mark another anniversary of the tragedy that struck our Muslim neighbours, we bring before you the families who grieve, the survivors who carry deep scars, and all who continue to live with the memory of that day.
Hold them in your compassion, surround them with your healing presence, and let your gentle light shine in every place where sorrow still lingers.
Teach us, O Lord, the foolish way of your wisdom.
In a world that answers hatred with more hatred,
lead us instead in the costly path of love.
Where fear seeks to divide, make us builders of trust.
Where suspicion grows, make us people who listen, honour, and stand alongside our neighbours.
In the wilderness of grief and memory, reveal again your deeper truth: that every human life is precious in your sight, and that your desire is not for violence, but for mercy, dignity, and peace among all peoples.
Give us courage as Christians to embody the compassion of Christ – to speak words that heal, to act with humility,
and to show genuine care for the Muslim community of our city.
May our friendship be sincere, our solidarity steadfast, and our commitment to peace unwavering.
And in this desert place of remembrance, reveal to us once more the wisdom that the world calls foolish: that love is stronger than hatred, mercy stronger than fear, and that your light shines even in the darkest places.
Through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
