Author Archives: livedgospel2013

Educating for the Lived Gospel #137

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. (2 Cor 13:13)

What we now call the Trinity was part of the faith of the earliest disciples of Jesus, but it took the early Church more than four hundred years to be able to put appropriate words on that faith. It is still easy to get tripped up in definitions. For me, the Trinity describes human reality. We are made in the image and likeness of a God whose basic nature is relationship – the mutual in-dwelling of Father-Son-Spirit or Creator-Redeemer-Sustainer. This helps to explain our need for relationship – we are made in the image of God who is relationship. It also shows us why we need community. When we are in community we glimpse more of God’s face – we are sustained in community.

Our role is to help young people glimpse the reality of the Trinity in their lives. Help them to reflect upon and see the people who love them as they are, the relationships that give them freedom to grow, the communities who sustain them, as manifestations of God who says to each of us not “I love you when…”, nor “I love you if…” , but “I love you!”

Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #136

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Cor 12:4-7)

There are some people who might find the notion that they have gifts revelatory. There are also times when our self-esteem can take a battering; when we don’t feel we have anything to offer. It is also important to note that there is a distinct difference between being self-assured and egotistical. But the key to this quote is that our God-given gifts are ‘for the common good’ – they are given through the Holy Spirit whose coming at Pentecost we celebrate this week. How am I using my gifts to build community? Are there new ways to use my gifts?

We have an important role to play with young people. They can be caught up in a world of celebrity – where the ‘special one’ seems so distant. This focus, coupled with a developing ego, means that our role is to affirm our faith that we are each special in God’s eyes and to affirm the goodness in young people at every opportunity.

Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #135

But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’ (Mark 10:31)

“Go for gold!” “We won!” Much of our society is focussed on being a ‘winner’. That might be in sport, or education, or life. There is nothing wrong with ‘winning’ (references to Charlie Sheen aside) – but what of those who are called ‘losers’? They are often looked down upon. Indeed, their lack of ‘winning’ in life is seen by some as an indictment against them. This passage continues the Jewish focus on those ‘on the outer’, described in the Jewish scriptures as ‘the widow, the poor and the stranger’. This great overturning seen in the synoptic gospels is true to their Jewish heritage and distances the followers of Jesus from those who ‘cozied up’ to the Romans.

The societal pressures on young people to be a ‘winner’ includes good grades, a good tertiary course, good job. What of the good that is in each of us that comes from God? We must tell young people, we must ensure that they know that they are good as they are. The service opportunities that are provided to young people should reinforce the God-given dignity of all involved. Not doing, but being is winning. And while we’re at it, we can remind ourselves!

Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #134

“Gamaliel the Pharisee said to the council, ‘So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’” (Acts 5:38-39)

We all have times of struggle – when life can seem to be a battle. I think this text helps us to take a different view. If our ministry is ‘of God’, it will increase. It is, however, no guarantee that it will be ‘smooth sailing’! At such times, each of us is challenged to hand things over to God. And I think that worrying less and trying to control less is more likely to help us find creative solutions to any difficulties.

‘Fighting against God’ is likely to be a foreign concept to young people. I think that we can ‘fight against God’ when we don’t use our gifts and talents OR only use them in selfish ways. Our role is to give young people the chance to glimpse the good in themselves – as well as affirming the good that we glimpse. Using our gifts and talents for others and ourselves is the way to happiness – and the full life toward which God calls each of us.

Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #133

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ (Mark 10:25)

In the world context, all who read this reflection are rich, since it is distributed by electronic means that put us amongst a select few. We almost all live in developed countries and, comparatively, we may not be amongst the richest, but it is good to reflect upon our relative privilege. The kingdom of God is where peace and justice reign. There can be no true justice where there is inequity. How am I bringing God’s reign closer? Is my focus on people or possessions? We, young and old alike, are ready to point the finger at ‘others’. Am I willing to do the ‘internal work’ and see where I need to more closely live the Gospel?

Human institutions can also help or hinder the coming of the Kingdom of God. Are our schools and institutions focussed on prestige and power? Or living the Gospel through caring for those in need?

Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #132

‘Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien, the orphan, and the widow of justice.’ (Deut 27:19)

It is a common misconception that the God of the Old Testament is ‘different’ from the New Testament. The Gospel thrust toward justice which is well known to Christians has its roots in this most fundamental of Jewish Scriptures, the Torah (the name given to the first five books of the Old Testament). We give our governments the responsibility to take care of those in need. Because they are human institutions, governments will always make mistakes. However, some current governments are falling well short of the mark outlined in this text and many others like in the Bible. As adults we have responsibility, thus we need to ponder: ‘Is the government representing my wishes?’

Young people can have a passion for justice. It is vital that they are taught about the justice in the Scriptures and its moral claim on our behaviour. We also should ensure that they recognise the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. It is appropriate that schools continue to provide opportunities for young people to act for justice, especially for those ‘on the outer’ of society.

Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #131

“This is my son, my chosen. Listen to him!” (Luke 9:35)

These words from the Father to the apostles after the Transfiguration are also addressed to all who wish to follow Jesus. Modern day life is lived at a hectic pace. It is easy to be carried along and not give myself time to reflect on my life. How do I ensure that I have time to listen to Jesus and what he is saying to me about my life? Over the centuries, the Church has established many helpful ways to help this reflection. A modern variant is the website Sacred Space.

It is our responsibility to guide the young people in our care towards opportunities to hear Jesus. Do I share an aspect of my faith life with them? Do I give them opportunities to hear God’s word? Opportunities to reflect and pray? Are there new opportunities that we might provide our young people to listen to Jesus and try to live as a disciple?

Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #130

When Mary Magdalene had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ (John 20:14-15)

In each of the Gospels, women are the first to see Jesus after the resurrection. However, many who see Jesus do not recognise him at first. Possibly, this is a combination of Jesus looking different after the resurrection and the disciples being overcome by their grief, thinking that Jesus was gone. At the start of the Gospel (1:38), Jesus asks ‘What are you looking for?’. The Gospel is brought to its finish with the who of Jesus as the focus.

Young people are searching for life’s answers. Sometimes their answer, like Mary Magdalene, may be staring them in the face without them seeing. I know I’ve been there! Part of the answer for young people lies inward – the goodness placed there by God and developing that so that they can live ‘life to the full’. Another part of the answer lies in embracing their companions on life’s journey, revelling in their shared humanity.

Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #129

Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ (John 20:29)

Living our Easter faith is not always easy, as the early Christians found. Many of us will have had our ‘doubting Thomas’ moments! So, how do we deal with such doubting moments? Do we engage in negative self-talk OR should we, rather, see doubt as part of the journey of faith, a gradual unfolding? Maybe it is a matter of an ‘on balance’ judgment. ‘On balance’ do we mostly believe and have small amounts of doubt?

Our Catholic schools, our Catholic communities, have a very different shape to the past. It is my contention that it is easier to believe when you are immersed in a believing community. This is not the case for a significant number of the young people in our care. As educators, we can assure young people that doubt is part of the faith journey. Being aware of the cultural forces at work, we must also be intentional in our efforts to promote Catholic identity – providing young people with as much of the breadth of our tradition as we can. And leave the rest up to God.

Have a great week…and term!
Patrick

Easter 2014

As Easter arrives, we turn again to put words on our faith. We try to deepen our understanding of how it shapes our daily lives. Many families struggle through difficult times. One family I know have endured their own passion and crucifixion for the last 18 months, watching their daughter be ravaged by cancer and eventually die, aged 18. Through their pain, they clung to the goodness and beauty that shone from her – her courage, selflessness and love. Amidst their pain and tears, they also glimpsed goodness in each other. A faith that matters offers no easy salve for this family’s grief. But it offers a hope that pain, suffering and even death do not have the last word. Her courage, selflessness and love are an ongoing inspiration to them – and the broader circle of family and friends, to do likewise. As Paul said, “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor 13:13) This Easter may we each make the most of our gift of life – spreading goodness, beauty and love – today and every day.