From the Principal

DECADE OF TRUTH

COMPASSION and FORGIVENESS

At the commencement of this decade, it was declared that for all Monicans we were entering a Decade of Truth, six particular Kingdom Values that if lived out authentically in our lives would support and inspire us and proclaim the Word of God to the world.

This is the first in a series of three editions when the six Kingdom Values chosen to proclaim will be presented.

Compassion: This value is defined in the Chambers Dictionary as ‘a feeling of sorrow and pity for someone in trouble, usually inclining one to help, show mercy etc.’ I believe that this definition emphasises the truth and beauty of reaching out and welcoming in, foundational values of a Monican education.

Surely it is evident that to show compassion is to seek to come to the aid of a person who needs a friend, a companion, a guide, a counsellor. There is a true sense of understanding and empathy in a compassionate person. Yes, one could walk away and flee from a person in physical, mental, spiritual need OR instead be the Good Samaritan or the father who welcomes and embraces to Prodigal son.

Compassion may just be enough to persuade a broken person to persevere and carry on when at first, they only feel despair and desperation. Compassion comes in so many forms from words, gestures, actions, from the heart, and the listening ear. Compassion can never be judgmental or harsh: rather compassion comes through the gentle presence of the carer, the true kindness of he or she who shows and gives compassion.

Forgiveness: The Chambers Dictionary gives several definitions of forgiveness. ‘1. To stop being angry with (someone who has done something wrong) or about (an offence) and 2. To pardon and 3. To spare (someone) the paying of (a debt).’ This a value for life, a Kingdom Value of immense love and kindness. Jesus told people to forgive endlessly when asked to quantify the number of times a person should forgive. The Church offers the forgiveness of God through the sacrament of Reconciliation whilst expecting penance from the sinner. Recall the woman who was harshly treated by the pharisees but found forgiveness in Jesus.

There are many incidents in our life when the call to forgive will be so difficult for us. How does one really forgive a cruel, vicious, extraordinarily horrible crime? Forgiveness must demand that we pay a price and swallow our anger, cope with our feeling that a wrong has been done to us when we were the victim. Forgiveness in all situations is not easy.

Forgiveness does not replace justice being served and punishment of the sinner or perpetrator of wrongdoing. There are consequences that rightminded, forgiving people will expect. Forgiveness calls us to hate the crime but not the person (despite, of course, never expecting to have that person as a friend).

Forgiveness is one our six Monican Kingdom Values because it creates a world of peace, order, again the act of reaching out and welcoming in. We choose to live a life of empathy: we pray never to be consumed by hatred and vengeance.

The next two editions of the Principal’s Bulletin will continue this three-part series of six Kingdom Values in our Monican Decade of Truth. For this fortnight, let us pray to accept the challenge of growing in compassion and forgiveness.

Brian E. Hanley OAM

Principal