Religious Education

 

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door I will come in. 

Thank you to those who have provided photos showing the face of God to others. I look forward to receiving more so that I can create a collage of all of these pictures. It is good to be able to recognise and celebrate some of the positives that have come out of covid-19 as it is such a challenging time for all of us.

Sadly, COVID- 19 has highlighted the plight of the poorest in the world who still in 2020 cannot access clean water, who remain hungry and many homeless. It has also highlighted our consumerist behaviour that so powerfully effects the global environment. In a time of restrictions, it has provided an opportunity to see some environmental renewal through better local air quality, water quality and less greenhouse emissions.

In recent days a publication by Mercy Global Action, ‘Hope in a time of Pandemic: Responding to COVID- 19 through a Mercy lens’ calls us to consider what the pandemic has revealed: Blatant inequalities have been revealed; The sacredness of the earth has been revealed; and A Pandemic of kindness has been revealed. While time does not afford me the opportunity to highlight each of the three components revealed I wish to briefly consider one- the notion of ‘A Pandemic of kindness that has been revealed.’ 

In their publication, Mercy Global Action talk of this ‘Pandemic of Kindness’ which displays the power of love for others and acts of kindness. They suggest our strongest assets are in fact our capacity for compassion, solidarity and cooperation. Furthermore, the connectedness to others while isolated through the renewal and strengthening of relationships is powerful. So too,our recognition and thankfulness to our essential workers.While the publication is part of the ongoing ministry of the Sisters of Mercy inspired by their foundress Catherine McAuley, we at St Bede’s school can draw inspiration in relation to this ‘Pandemic of Kindness.’

I draw a connection to a slogan used across our school a couple of years ago “choose kindness” after reading the book “Wonder”. We might also consider the notion of kindness in light of its origins in the person of Jesus who reached out to all. He spoke of not only love of neighbour but love of enemy. To whom do I offer kindness? Is the Pandemic of kindness for some or all?

You may wish to explore the document “Hope in a Time of Pandemic” further by clicking here

Take care

Bernadette Reed

(Religious Education Leader)