Author Archives: livedgospel2013

Some reflections on travel

I was fortunate to do some travel in 2011. The next few posts are some reflections on that glorious time…

Kids are kids

I’ve recently travelled around the world

And, as always, loved watching kids

 

The big grin from the twelve-month old in London

The reciprocal smile to mine from the grandma

Holding the toddler’s hand in Hong Kong

 

The child walking along the top of the wall in Berlin.

As the plane banks on his side, the child who says “That’s amaaazing!”

 

The two year old stacking on a turn in Berlin… and L.A…. and Paris!

The baby’s plaintive “I’m tired” cry on the plane.

The same baby happily gurgling away – after a good sleep!

The father who kisses his infant son twice on the forehead.

 

It seems to me that childhood is a universal language.

Their joy and wonder in the world,

As well as their testing of boundaries

Reinforces to me the wisdom of the words:

“You must be like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven”

And maybe that children give us a glimpse

Of that kingdom

Right here

Educating for the Lived Gospel #98a

After I wrote this week’s reflection, I had the great good fortune to see the reality of life, love and hope coming through the cross in the person of 30 year old Melbourne woman, Michelle Newland. Her story is too good and too appropriate to this week’s quote not to share it with you. For the second year in a row, I’d invited Michelle to speak to our Year 11 girls as part of their reflection day.

Michelle Newland is a living miracle – and in her own way, an angel of the Lord. This is not just true because of her recovery after dying in her mother’s arms after an asthma attack at age 19. Nor is it true because she can walk and talk now rather than be in a vegetative state that the medical experts said would be her lot. Nor is it true just because of the wonderfully inspirational talks she gives – full of humour and determination. For me, Michelle is a living miracle primarily because of her extraordinary faith. As she said, “My faith is like oxygen to my brain…I can’t live without it”. As Christians, we proclaim that salvation goes through the cross. Michelle and her family have endured a type of crucifixion – yet are now exploring an extraordinary resurrection – full of life and love and hope. Truly a miracle for all who have been blessed to see and hear it. When someone like Michelle says “Never ever give up” – you take notice.

If you want to know more about her story, go to www.michellenewland.com

Peace and all good
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #98

“If we cross trials in total surrender to God’s will, the angel of the Lord will always come to visit us” Helene de Chappotin

Firstly, I need to discern God’s will for me. I need to ignore messianic delusions or ego-fuelled fantasies. I then chart a course and do my best to live it out – dealing with life’s ups and downs along the way! Matthew’s Beatitudes have Jesus saying, ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.’ (Matthew 5:11) But when that happens, you don’t feel so blessed! There are people who will try to turn the good you do into something shadowy or negative. That is the time you need to wait for ‘the angel of the Lord’, remembering that the word ‘angel’ means messenger. This may take the form of being given the grace and strength to endure. Or it might be a kind or affirming word from a friend, colleague or student.

It is good to encourage our young people to ponder ‘What is God’s will for me?’ I believe that God’s will for each of us is using the good that is in each of us – our gifts and talents – to build community. Offering our good back to the source of all good will bring our happiness. Many of the young people in our care know about living with difficulties. As Christians, we are people of hope. But our salvation always goes through the cross. No pie in the sky, rather living in and through our difficulties. Pain, suffering and even death do not have the last word. Such a message of reality and hope is one that rings true for our young people.

Have a great week…and holiday if you get one!

Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #97

May all the graces God gives us, no matter how remarkable they may be, incline us also to humble ourselves. John Baptist De La Salle

“My students consistently do well on tests”; “I had a student get a perfect subject score last year”; “My daughter was accepted into the Medicine course”; “My wife and I are travelling overseas next month”. These are all good things in themselves. The point is that each of these situations is a grace, a gift from God. Think of the Olympic gold medallist (in whatever discipline or sport) – they work, they train many long gruelling hours and richly deserve their accolades. How many competitors are there? How many suffer from illness, injury or some relational upset that prevents them from doing their best? Sport is littered with such stories. That is why the humble champion, like Roger Federer, rings true for many people.

Our message for young people? Discover your gifts. Be your best, but don’t get carried away on ego-fuelled flights of fancy. The expression ‘pride comes before a fall’ doesn’t strike us as true for no reason!

Have a great week!

Patrick