A Fijian Bible Study
A new book of weekly Bible Studies in Fijian based on the Revised Common Lectionary by Rev Dr Iliesa Jovili Meo
April 10, 2024
In May 2023, the Fiji Parish at Canterbury Uniting Church in Sydney launched a new publication for Fijian Bible study. Now, minister, theologian and author Rev Dr Iliesa Jovili Meo has written an additional volume exploring the texts in Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary. He is working on the third and final edition, covering Year C, which is anticipated to be available by Advent this year.
“The secret is to pause for a few minutes each day and open our hearts and minds to reading and meditating on the Words of God,” says Rev Dr Jovili Meo
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The books contain advice on how to study the Bible, an introduction to the books of the Bible and a 4-page reflection for each week of the Lectionary. Reflecting on this work over many years, Rev Dr Meo shared how he first began compiling the Bible Studies in 2002 to support Fijians worshipping in Chadstone, Melbourne. His aim was to both support people to understand the Christian faith in Fijian and to help maintain the Fijian ethos, language, culture and identity amidst other prevailing and dominant cultures.
His work soon became much valued for Fijians in Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world.
“No longer do we sit under the coconut trees and enjoy the sea breeze but we are in a new environment,” reflects Rev Dr Meo. “The fumes of vehicles and the busy lives dictated by the business of the day. The secret is to pause for a few minutes each day and open our hearts and minds to reading and meditating on the Words of God.”
“Readings are arranged so that a reader or meditator by following the events of the Christian year, completes the whole Bible each year. There are many resources in the English language and one can use these as complementary readings.”
In her foreword to the Year A Bible study, Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis wrote: “It is my prayer that all who read and engage with this Fijian Bible Study may find their faith deepened and strengthened and be inspired to bear witness to the love of Christ. I also pray that it may inspire others to share their scholarship and wisdom in languages other than English for the enrichment of the whole.”
To find out more and to purchase copies of the book, contact Laisiasa Seduadua on email: laiseduadua@gmail.com.
Pictured above: Rev Dr Jovili Meo and his wife Lisa Meo with the published book for Year B.
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