Mosaic: Favourite Prayers and Reflections by Inspiring Australians
by Rosalind Bradley (Ed.), ABC Books, 2008
The true god gives his flesh and blood, idols demand yours off you. Les Murray
Les Murray says that he was proud to capture, in verse, this distinction between the divine mercy and the ghastly en-masse human sacrifices people often offer up to their political and other inspirations. This is a quote from his book The Biplane Houses, Black Inc, Melbourne 2006. Les Murray is one of 165 people who responded out of the 450 requests sent by the editor Rosalind Bradley to people representing a cross section of Australian society inviting them to consider contributing a prayer or reflection that was important to them. Bradley was in London at the time of the London bombing and felt a need to do something to build bridges in the community. This book is her attempt to build bridges.
The contributors are from a great range of religious beliefs, as well as a number from that very strong Australian spirituality, ‘no particular faith’. Christian authors include a prison chaplain from the Salvation Army quoting Fanny Crosbie and the Archbishop Malki Malki from the Syrian Church. Archbishop Aghan Baliozian from the Armenian Church, an enthusiastic ecumenist shares a Lenten morning hymn and Anglican Archbishops sharing their prayers
Sr Veronica Brady chose Psalm 23 because she first read this psalm in her twenties in a park in Melbourne in springtime, in a time when she was confused and wondering what to do with here life, and it has been her reassurance ever since. There are many entries from Catholic Workers, including Fr Frank Brennan who is renowned for his work with refugees, Aboriginals, and social justice. He draws his inspiration from Isaiah.
However it may be the other people who can surprise us. The Chief Executive of Woolworths, Roger Corbett, AM finds John 3:16 meaningful for his own relationship with God, but also for his understanding of the world at large. HG (Nelson), Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, Andrew Denton, William Deane, Susie O’Neill and a host of others share something of their life with us.
There are great contributions from indigenous people, and from people like Tim Winton who relate strongly to indigenous spirituality. A couple of people, including the Primate of the Anglican Church, The Most Reverend Doctor Phillip Aspinall, have chosen Leunig as their inspiration.
This is truly a multi-faith book, and hopefully will help us as Australians become enriched by the spirituality of others, while being deepened in our own. It is a book to dip into, to enjoy little by little, and perhaps share in devotions with others.
The proceeds from the book will go to the Asylum Seekers Centre of NSW which offers welcome and support for community-based asylum seekers, and Bethlehem Communities Australia, which assists disadvantaged people in the Philippines.
Review by Rev Marie Wilson