Living with Strength and Kindliness

This week I, like most people at this time of year, have had the privilege of attending a range of end-of-year celebrations. At St Joseph's, these events have been a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the year gone by, and to honour the breadth of achievements within our school. At the same time, I have also shared in the joy of my own children's preparations for Christmas, as they have been involved in festive traditions such as Christmas carols and the timeless nativity play. In the busyness of this time of year, these have been occasions to celebrate and be thankful, especially in the light of this advent season and the Kildare Ministry value of hope, which we have been reflecting on this year.

During this week as we journey through Advent, I've found myself thinking especially of the star guiding the wise men to Jesus. The wise men found hope in the Christ Child, and this year our community has found hope in collective or individual acts. There have been times where many of us have been guided towards hope or found hope during challenging times. These moments have reminded us that even in darkness, there is light to follow.

The season of Advent also calls us out of our comfort zones, just as the wise men traveled far from their own homes. As we reach out in service to others, especially those in need, we find hope in the courage of the human spirit. As we walk with others, we not only give hope but also receive it.

As we prepare for Christmas, let us reflect back in joy and gratitude on the moments of hope we have encountered this year—through friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers who have been lights on our path. Perhaps let us also resolve to be stars for others, leading them to the hope that Jesus brings through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and a commitment to justice.

May this Advent season bring hope and light into our hearts, so we can all, together, journey forward in the hope of a future brightened by the promise of God's love and peace.

Lee Pethybridge

College Leader - Faith and Community