Five years on

It's been five years today since the odius bombings in Bali that killed two hundred and two people (including eighty-eight Australians) and injured another two hundred and nine. A tragic and evil event, remembered with tears and silence.

Yet five years on, there remains in Australia a group who refuse to assimilate, who hope for the day when the present Australian government is no more, who identify more with each other than as Australian. They think Western society is deeply compromised, believe in a divinely-authorised alternative, and are ready to die for their beliefs.

Their inspiration is a man who, having developed their tactics and ideology, was apprehended by the authorities and executed as a criminal for his seditious views when he put them into practice. Yet they still remember and follow his teachings: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6.27-28)

And as for terrorists? Fear God rather than someone who might want to kill you. And on this day, and all days, follow the practice of the master: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."
Bali Memorial Sculpture, Dolphins Point above Coogee Beach, Sydney.