If you came into the College after school, you will see plenty of activity. Cricket, rowing, sevens, Polyfest, Smokefree Stage Challenge, softball, kung fu exhibition, to name but a few, but it’s great to see busy, happy young men taking full advantage of all the opportunities available.

At assembly the senior boys gave a special acknowledgement to Mr Gamblin for the hours he does behind the scenes on a number of fronts. He received a standing ovation from the boys.

On Wednesday we staged a simple Lenten Liturgy where the ashes were blessed and distributed and we prayed that as a community and as individuals we would make an effort to take the opportunity to better engage with God. It’s a time if you like to get our spiritual ‘back yard’ in order.

As a community we are ringing the bell at the beginning of Period 5 each day and the whole school prays the Hail Mary.

We are also challenging the boys to make some sort of personal commitment, which is a reminder to them of God’s love for us and the ultimate sacrifice of His son’s death on Good Friday.

Fasting is one way of showing personal commitment. Here is a reflection about fasting…

Through this Gospel passage Jesus gives us the true meaning of fasting and alludes to his impending death. From the words of Jesus we understand that fasting is not an end in itself but a means to an end. It can be a means to prepare oneself for an important commitment or an event; it can be a help for spiritual growth, and can be undertaken as a means to avoid sins. The greatest fasting that a Christian is called upon to undertake is to fast or starve one’s sins to death. The ultimate goal of fasting is to unite oneself with God. Life in union with God is the goal of human life. The disciples of John fasted in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Fasting and praying, Jesus prepared himself for his mission. Similarly, knowing the true meaning of our pious practices, let us ensure that we find ourselves in God’s presence where we cannot but be happy.

Until next week

Justin Boyle

Rector