Message from the Chaplain

Serving Others for the Good of All

Last Wednesday was the first day of Lent. This period of 40 days leading up to Easter is a time when Christians reflect on Jesus’ final days of ministry and to prepare themselves spiritually for the celebration of Easter.  Some people give up something during Lent as a way of reminding themselves of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Others use this season to focus on making a difference in the world by helping others or donating to charities that assist those who are in need or facing a crisis. 

This is also the time of Ramadan for Muslims and in a few weeks Jewish families will celebrate Passover. These different faith traditions involving millions of people around the world encourage people to gather, reflect, pray, seek renewal and hope.

As Senator Pocock wrote last week:

It’s a reminder that beneath our politics and our differences we are bound by something deeper: our longing for meaning, for connection and for hope.  In an increasingly noisy and divided world, these sacred seasons invite us to slow down, to practice compassion, to look after one another and to remember that none of us walks alone.

May this time be for us all a period of reflection and foster is us a commitment to serving others for the good of all.