Faith and Mission

Leo McInerney 

Assistant to the Principal - Faith and Mission

Sawu Bona is a beautiful Zulu greeting that literally means, “I see you.” The conventional response is Shiboka, literally “I exist for you”. 

The most confronting thing about everyone wearing masks is that it is so hard to “see you”. It is not what we are used to when we meet people. So much of the person, not just their identity, but their personality and disposition at that moment is conveyed through the face. How can we know the other and respond appropriately if we can’t see their face?

The mask is a reminder to us that we have to work on relationships. ‘Seeing you’ is more than the physical reality of surface sight. It requires, as the first reading from the First Book of Kings tells us, “a heart that can discern between good and evil.”

And how beautiful the response, “I exist for you.” Wearing a mask is not an impediment to self-giving and selfless service. Existing for the other, as the psalm poetically puts it, with a love that consoles and words that give light and life.

In this strange world we live in, where with masks, stage four lockdowns and social isolation, it’s so difficult to “see you.” Mick Thomas, the inspired Melbourne singer songwriter, has collaborated with other great Australian writers/singers/poets to take up the spirit of ‘Sawu Bona’  in his new song, “I’ll See You On The Other Side.” Here are some of the beautiful, positive, hopeful thoughts of his friends from around Australia who contributed to this masterpiece of contemporary, collaborative writing, knowing that, even in isolation, “I see you!”

“Don’t let it bring you down, the storm will pass over. Just wait a few tomorrows and you can come around.” (Vikki Thorn)

 “Memories are bursting at the seams. Each night I hope that we’ll meet in dreams. And when it ends I know I’ll see you then.” (Alana Jagt)

“Touch your face as our eyes greet the same sun .We shall rise; all things we love shall be again.” (Alannah Russack)

“Stay safe my friend, and we’ll see you on the other side.” (Mick Thomas)