Saturday 20 July 2024
St Apollinaris
Micah 2:1-5. Do not forget the poor, O Lord! – Psalm 9B(10):1-4, 7-8, 14. Matthew 12:14-21.
He will not break the crushed reed or snuff the faltering wick
On 17 April 1989 I was at an art workshop. We were asked to free-associate and draw what came into our minds. I drew clouds of black smoke engulfing sparks of orange and yellow flames. That night on TV there was film of the Tiananmen Square massacre of university students campaigning for democracy.
Bob Hawke cried as he announced that Chinese students currently in Australia could remain here and be given permanent residency and citizenship. I have met three taxi drivers who were among those students. They have built their lives here, raised families and lived and worked as part of the community. So many others and their children have contributed to our country. Bob Hawke could not have imagined the ripple effects of his magnanimous act of compassion.
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