This week at the College, we have celebrated Holy Week. It is an important time in an Anglican and Catholic school, where we reflect on the hardships and joys of the Easter period. We did this through a series of Liturgies and will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in an Easter Liturgy when we return in Term 2.
There is so much to reflect on in the Easter story. From my perspective, it is the story of the miracle on the road to Emmaus that always means the most.
When I think about the two men walking the long journey on a hot, dusty and uneven road, I try to imagine how they must have been feeling. I think about their lived experience – their mentor, their leader and, in their own words, their saviour, was gone. Murdered cruelly and publicly, an act which must have filled them with anger, deep hurt and fear. And then there were mysterious events being talked about, stories passed along that Jesus’s body had disappeared from his tomb.
In an age before social media, the internet and newspapers, relying only on word of mouth, this all must have been so confusing to Cleopas and his companion. I think we can assume that they would have been filled with anxiety and questions, and no doubt they were feeling anger, too.
But when Jesus appeared to them on the road, and then followed them in to share supper, we can only imagine what relief it must have brought the two men. Their saviour was resurrected, and their doubts and fears were assuaged.
Faith is a complicated thing, but for many and certainly for me, this story encapsulates the essence of it. Like Jesus appearing to the men and calming their fears, faith is a comfort in times of uncertainty, it is answers to difficult questions, it is calming when emotions are high.
As an Anglican and Catholic school, at all times, we hope that we are the place of comfort and security for all of our students and staff. We aim to be a place of acceptance and love where all are welcomed, and throughout Term 1 we have modelled this – we have hosted a smoking ceremony to commence the year, celebrated our diversity on Harmony Day, launched our Women in Leadership Program and celebrated International Women’s Day, and attended our first Principals and School Captains Iftar Dinner.
And every day, as often as we can, we have celebrated and promoted the unique talents and qualities that each of our students brings to our community.
Just as Cleopas and his companion felt a sense of relief, love and warmth as they shared supper with Jesus, so do we hope that our students see that they are loved and accepted at St Columba College.
I wish every member of the community a safe and relaxing school holiday, and we look forward to commencing Term 2 with students on Tuesday, 29 April.
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