As we continue to make sacrifices to reduce the number of Coronavirus infections here in Victoria and await the ‘steady and safe’ steps towards the easing of restrictions there is much to contemplate.
Are we able to transform ourselves to cope with the challenge of the pandemic?
Plants can teach us much about reaching our potential and the need for favourable environmental factors that ensure growth.
As we move out of lockdown we look forward to being more active and mobile – to begin wandering again.
Perhaps humans and the environment would benefit from once again observing a day of rest.
St Ignatius has much to teach us about living positively while in 'isolation'.
It may prove profitable during these times and remember that we are ‘in the world, not of the world’ and that the promises made to us are true and recorded for us in the Bible.
At Christmas time organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, that do so much to help the marginalised, are even more necessary. During Advent we have the chance to support their work.
As we move into the final term we have around 40 days to achieve our goals for the academic year and reflect on our growth, and identify the times we have failed to live as God intended us to.
It is in the times of agitation or pressure where we need to especially pause and consider what has been revealed to us by Jesus and be assured of his presence and promises.
We, as individuals, communities and as a nation, would do well to reflect on the Gospel reading of The Good Samaritan in the context of refugees and asylum seekers.
The mid-year school holidays is a time for students and teachers to rest and relax.