Chaplain's Message

Signpost - Authority Commands Careful Listening by Bill Adams 

Excerpt from Releasing the Angel; Saluting All Who Strive to Teach by Christopher Gleeson SJ

'After hearing about 150 piano renditions of the same song by five-year old contestants at the city arts festival, I had endured about all I could bear. Finally, it was time to find out who could win. The atmosphere was emotionally charged, and I wondered how the judge would be able to choose a winner without causing a riot.

The parents and children gathered for the announcement, and the judge was introduced. From his first word, I was hooked. The crowd calmed down as he spoke, for here was a person who knew what he was talking about. He spoke warmly about the children, about the wonder of music, about the importance of encouraging love of music at an early age. He had a quiet and unmistakable authority. He made music the real winner.

This man's obvious authority and love for his subject made me think of how Jesus must have affected his hearers. The teaching of Jesus fell upon receptive ears because he was someone who spoke with love and authority. When we listen carefully to Jesus' words, we know he is talking to us and that he is talking about what really matters. Those who listen have their whole lives changed.'

~ Pastor Sarah Pollitt

College Chaplain