Director of Religious Studies
Reflection from the Director of Religious Studies.
The point of a great school is to fill its people with hope.
Hope is a word that makes me think of people searching… searching for positive relationships built around meaning and purpose. Jesus was deeply aware of this yearning for an authentic kind of hope. He gave people second chances. He let people be themselves… and when they did they were the best versions of themselves. He gave people hope when others rejected or condemned them. Jesus wasn’t demonstrating a lacklustre idea of hope that simply just wishes that tomorrow will be better than today. He lived in tough political and social times. He was born as a refugee not unlike the modern refugees on out TVs. When Jesus prayed he said God’s plan will be realised “on Earth as it is in Heaven.” And that’s what we do. We try to leave this place better than we found it. We try to leave each other better than when we first met. Hope requires a fair amount of grit but the end result is worth the effort. The Kindom of God is built in the hearts of people who yearn for authentic relationships with all creation.
This is nothing new. I would like to draw your attention to the prophet Jeremiah. He lived in a politically chaotic time not too far removed from the likes of Trump, Brexit and extremist fundamentalism. He also offered hope to his people:
Yip, the point of a great school is to fill its people with hope.
I’ve been reading a bit of environmental law, focusing on the great ideas of Gus Speth. Just look at this wee gem:
“I used to think that top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that thirty years of good science could address these problems. I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy, and to deal with these we need a cultural and spiritual transformation. And we scientists don’t know how to do that.”
I don’t entirely agree with Gus. Firstly, he’s pretty tough on his scientist buddies. Secondly, he seems to overlook what would happen if people had an educated heart and an educated mind.
What I mean is, a school that focuses on real world problem solving, collaboration and authentic engagement can prepare the next generation to focus on environmental problems. I see that in our STEM classes, science projects and student-centred engineering challenges.
And a school that blends the rich traditions of humanities, literacy and Religious Education can create conversation spaces for the next generation to find new links between concepts. I see that in the languages, the new junior curriculum, 11CAL and 12JUS classes.
And a school that celebrates creativity in arts and culture can ignite imaginations and creativity. I see that in art, music and drama.
And a school that unpacks the true spirit of teamwork can allow students to grow as trusting collaborators. I see that in our sports classes – after school trainings and in the weekend games.
And a school that upholds the beautiful Catholic traditions around sacraments and social justice can allow students to bravely demonstrate their faith, hope and love for God. I am concerned when people talk about selfish teenagers. I see so many caring and hopeful young men at Saint Thomas of Canterbury College. But to be perfectly honest, I don’t really know if our students will save the planet. Perhaps we need to start with the basic certainties of life: our sons are team mates, classmates, employees, boyfriends, and maybe later bosses, husbands, Dads. Personally speaking, I am full of hope because I am loved, respected and using my God given talents to build the Kindom on Earth as it is in Heaven. And I know we all have something to share, or as Pope Francis puts it, “Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation.”
And for all the old-timey teachings about the “deadly sins” (they were first written about in 590CE) we often overlook the teaching about the virtues. In a school with the motto ‘Virtute Scientiam Complete’ (‘to round off knowledge with manliness) I think the Catholic virtues are a tremendous source of love, faith and hope:
· Prudence. We want our boys to grow up knowing how to make right decisions… even if no one’s watching… even if it’s the tough choice… even if it involves sacrifice.
· Justice. We want our boys to stick up for the underdog, care for the poor and follow Christ’s example to be a justice maker.
· Fortitude: We want our brave boys to conquer their fears of failure, of inadequacy and social acceptance. The Holy Spirit is ready to help.
· Temperance: We want our boys to become gentle men.
Here at Saint Thomas of Canterbury College we all promote these virtues of the Catholic Church. Not just as teachers but as mentors, colleagues and friends. And so, on behalf of the College I would like to thank you for your ongoing support.
My prayer for us in this holy time of Advent is to keep getting ready. In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, let’s keep Christ in Christmas. In our shopping and baking, let’s remember to purchase and prepare something for the poor. When we clean our homes, let’s distribute some of our possessions to those who lack many things. While we are decorating our homes, let’s not forget to prepare a peaceful place in our hearts wherein our Saviour may come to dwell.
Yours in Christ
Stephen Kennedy
Director of Religious Studies
https://loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=15-P13-00007&segmentID=6
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c1a7.htm
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=973
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