Chaplain

‘Pay it Forward Day’ was on Wednesday this week. A day to celebrate kindness, a day to look to ways to show grace towards others in practical ways, a day to cause a ripple of kindness. Thankfully this is a deep value in our Redlands community showing love and kindness each and every day. Our students are continually encouraged to show kindness so no-one is on the outer. All are welcomed and valued as people.

This is a reflection of the biblical principles. All are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27-28) so that each and every individual is of infinite value. Jesus articulated the implication of this as he commands to love one another and even to love our enemies. What an extra ordinary thought; that we can have a real issue of conflict and disagreement with someone, and yet still show deep love and care for the other. Such love in disagreement is a cornerstone of Christian faith as it models the love of God in Jesus.

However, Jesus does not let us get away with easy words of love, he also told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25ff) that cleverly illustrates that this sort of love is practical and costly. The Samaritan (the expected villain of the day) was the one to stop and render assistance to an injured man in a dangerous setting. He not only took time and effort in a place where he could easily become a victim but he also paid for accommodation and continuing treatment. This was not expected and demonstrated the sort of love that ‘Pay it Forward’ calls for.

In contexts of disagreement and conflict, there is always the opportunity to look for opportunities to show kindness. A kind word or an act of service or generosity can bring a spirit of healing and community to all our lives.

Finally, a reminder to mark in your diary on Thursday 13 May, 8-9.00pm, the Parent run prayer group in the David Armstrong Room at St Peter’s Church (with parking located on Waters Rd). Please contact Sally Swan at swanlsally@gmail.com for further information.

God Bless

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022