Chaplain’s Corner

This Is The Way

As we begin another exciting year at Oxley, I’ve been reflecting on our College theme for 2026, Following The Way—what guides us, grounds us, and helps us make sense of the world, especially when things feel a little uncertain.

Now, I’ll admit it: I’m a bit of a Star Wars fan. So, the first thing that came to my mind, was the quote “This is the way,” from the series, The Mandalorian. The Mandalorian series popularised this catchy phrase, and while it’s a clever bit of storytelling, it also raises a deeper question for us: How do we actually find “the way” in real life?

Particularly for our young people, growing up in a world that feels louder and more complicated day by day. Many years ago, when my two boys were still in Junior School, (my wife and daughter at home,) we were out on a bike ride. I let my eldest boy be the leader—just as any confident primary-aged kid would love to be. At every intersection, he got to choose left or right. After a while, I said, “Alright mate, let’s head home now. Lead the way.”He froze.

He spun around, searching for landmarks, but that little network of looping streets near the old Chirnside Park golf course, is basically a maze. He took a guess at where the main road was… and proceeded to point in the exact opposite direction.

He wasn’t careless. He wasn’t being silly. He was simply lost—and didn’t even realise how lost he was until he tried to find his way back.

I pulled out my phone and showed him a map, where we were and where we needed to go. Everything clicked. Suddenly, the path was clear.

I’ve often thought about that moment, because in many ways it’s what Jesus was doing when He spoke to His disciple Thomas in John 14. Thomas was deeply confused about where Jesus was heading and how to follow Him. Jesus’ response wasn’t a lecture or a rebuke. It was a beautiful invitation and a simple map: “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

Not “a way”. “The way!”

For students, especially those new to Oxley, faith can feel unfamiliar or even overwhelming. Conversations about God, the Bible, or spirituality can be quickly pushed aside in a world full of noise, peer pressure, screens and endless content. Yet, beneath all of that, I genuinely believe this generation is deeply searching for meaning, truth, and something bigger than themselves.

That’s why, here at Oxley, we want to create a safe, open space for our young people to explore faith thoughtfully and courageously. They don’t need to have all the answers. They just need the freedom to ask good questions. 

So this year, my encouragement to them during our first Chapel, was simple:

1. Don’t be afraid to explore. Faith isn’t something we force; it’s something we discover.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask big questions. God isn’t fragile, and neither are good conversations.

3. Be open to the possibility that God might speak—gently, personally, meaningfully—into your heart.

    

Din Djarin (the Mandalorian) said, “This is the way,” referring to the creed of the Mandalorian, pointing to some unknown destination. Jesus said, “I am the way”.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)

My prayer for every family this year is that, whether life feels clear or confusing, close or complex, you and your children would know this truth deeply:

Jesus is the way.

Amen?

May God bless you and I pray that 2026 will be an incredible year for you and your students.

Pastor Matt Daly

College Chaplain