Chaplain

Our school community has been touched by death, an untimely and profoundly sad death. In times of grief we often take extra time contemplating those bigger questions of life and death. Deep down we have a longing to know there is more than a vague hope that it might be better. This is because we have been created in the image of God and so have a desire for eternity. Yet when Jesus speaks about life he is not only speaking about heaven or eternity, but also the here and now.

As our Heavenly Father who created each of us as special individuals, it is clear that God sees life as a gift. He has given us physical bodies made to run, swim, dance and smile. He gave us voices to sing beautiful melodies for our ears. He gave us tastebuds to not only eat but to enjoy a spectrum of delicious flavours. God gave us the desire to love and care and connect with others. When Jesus said he had come to give us life he meant for us to value life and live it well. His words carry an invitation that says trust in me and you will live life to the full, life from above (John 3:3). As we trust Jesus we come alive spiritually as we discover a relationship with God. It is this relationship with the trustworthy, unchangeable, faithful, loving God that can give us a foundation for life as we work out those questions of belonging, purpose and hope.

Jesus gifts us life in the here and now but he also speaks of eternity. Jesus has a broad and complex perspective of life. He tells us that there is eternal life and that his very purpose of becoming human was to open the way to that life. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). But Jesus was a man of action not just words. His own death and resurrection was the assurance that his words are trustworthy and solid. Jesus has demonstrated that he is stronger than death and when he invites us to have eternal life he can deliver.

This is why we have hope in the face of death and grief. This is why we go forward to live life to the full knowing that there is real hope past the grave to the day when we are gathered into the loving arms of our heavenly Father. Jesus is all about life and offers life in all its fullness.

Parents who Pray

There will be a special meeting of Parents who Pray tomorrow, Friday 25 May. We will gather in H.3.4 in the Roseby Library on the Senior Campus commencing at 8.30am until 9.30am. All are welcome as we uphold our School community in prayer.

Ms Bronwyn Lihou, Secondary School Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9830