Every once in a while we see an obituary that reminds us of goodness and courage in a previous time, but still within the memory of most of us. The name Bruce Haigh has slipped from most of our minds, but he was the Second Secretary of the Australian Embassy in South Africa during the time of apartheid.
He befriended Steven Biko, who was beaten to death in police custody in 1977, and then smuggled Biko’s attorney Shun Chetty and the anti-apartheid journalist Donald Woods out of South Africa, without the knowledge of his superiors and at great risk to himself. Serving as a member of the Refugee Relief Tribunal in 1995, he argued for refugees and a broader immigration policy. He died April 7th from cancer.
Those times may seem far away from us, but we still feel the impact of the dedication to human rights and justice Haigh had. One of the important meanings of our Easter faith is holding the memory of those who followed in the way of Jesus, reaching out to the oppressed and marginalized. Like the Risen Christ, they continue to live in our hearts.
Prayer for the Day
O Lord, you impart to us a love that surpasses even justice
For you accept those who turn to you even at the last hour;
May your mercy be a model for us as we strive to do your will,
And your forgiveness an example of how we should live.
Open us more to the free gifts of your grace so liberally given to us
And welcome your grace into the lives of others.
In the name of him who was your gift of grace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
I have this anger about things that are not right
- Bruce Haigh, Australian diplomat, humanitarian (1945-2023)
If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.
- Desmond Tutu, Anglican bishop, South Africa (1931-2021)
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
And speak the truth from their heart.
In whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord;
Who stand by their oath even to their hurt . . .
Psalm 15: 1-2, 4