School Chaplain

A time to labour; a time to rest

As I have begun my time at St George's, I have been given the opportunity to think about beginnings generally, even The Beginning. That is, the first book of Scripture, the book of Genesis.

It opens with a formless void, a roiling deep, and the breath, or Spirit, of God hovering across its surface. Then God, over six days, speaks. The lights come on, order is given to the cosmos and creation takes shape. It is then populated, first in verdancy and bloom, then with the creatures of land, air and sea. Finally, God places another creature in the garden. This time, however, he breathes his spirit into it in a distinct way, bestowing upon it his image.

In this way, God's lavish creativity and ordering spirit are passed on to humanity. It is a family resemblance we all bear, and a vocation given to us all.  This is part of what marks time at school, and all of life. We learn, grow, order, name, and contribute to the world's form. As we continue our learning this term, it is worth keeping this in mind. Everything we learn and do forms us, and in turn we contribute to the formation of the world. This is one of the gifts that comes with bearing the divine image.

It is a great responsibility, but it also brings with it a sense of joy and creativity. 

The creation story, though, reminds us that life is not simply work.

On the seventh day, God rested. Not because he was sleepy, but because creation was complete. The seventh day is a celebration of that completion. It is blessed day, a very good day, so much so that it was commanded that God’s people keep the day set aside.

Long before Sabbath became a law for Israel, it was woven into the grain of creation itself. Sunday, for Christians, is the celebration not only of God's completed work in creation, but of Christ's resurrection, the fulfilment and renewal of creation itself.

As we begin another school term, there is much work to do. There always is. Genesis reminds us that our lives are measured not only by our labour, but also by our capacity to rest and to delight in what has been given. It is good to take a day to rest, reflect on the week's work, and be grateful. Maybe even say a prayer of thanks.

There is, indeed, a time to labour and a time to rest. Both belong to the life God has made.

Fr Rhys Roberts-Brown

School Chaplain