Living with Strength and Kindliness
Recently I spent time learning with leaders from across the Kildare Ministry family. It was an important time of building community, sharing faith and gaining nourishment. One of the elements of our work focused on the Kildare Ministries Living Peace Living Justice Charter. With our driving theme being about courage this year, I was drawn to the scripture the charter illuminates in connection with this.
“Then Jesus told his disciples, if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” ( Matthew 16: 24)
Just prior, Jesus had revealed to his disciples what he would face as the Messiah. He further stunned his followers by saying that they will also need to participate in his experience. This scripture challenges his followers and us to have the courage to follow in the example of him and work towards building a more just world. Importantly in this scripture, Jesus tells his followers and us to take up their own cross, not his.
The way we have courage and work towards building a more just world will be different for us all. This week I have had the privilege to be away with our Year 12 students on their retreat. This experience, amongst other things, highlighted for our Year 12s the importance of having the courage to take time to build their relationship with their families and themselves and provided the opportunity to encounter faith. One of the experiences at our retreat demonstrated the need for all of us to have the courage to share our gifts with each other. Furthermore, the experience highlighted that by the sharing of these gifts for justice, they grow and become stronger.
Together with the Year 12 retreat, this week we celebrate Foundation Day. We celebrate our birthday and therefore our story. All of us are part of this story, as we courageously step into our days with Strength and Kindliness. We continue to draw inspiration and strength from the lives of so many in this community as we follow the example of Jesus, St Joseph, Saint Brigid, Bishop Delany and the venerable Nano Nagle. Experiences this week have amplified that with joy and excitement we are challenged and supported by each other as we continue to look courageously into the future as we step out into new grounds and experiences.
Project Compassion
This week through Project Compassion we learn about Thu, who lives in Vietnam. When Thu was 12 years old, he stepped on an unexploded land mine and lost his leg.
Living with a disability in rural Vietnam presented many challenges for Thu, who worked mainly as a rice farmer. Thu also took on the role of caring for his wife, Linh, after she suffered a stroke.
Determined to turn their lives around, Thu and Linh joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program, run by Caritas Australia’s local partner in Vietnam, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).
For Thu, the greatest impact the program has had is enabling the change in Linh’s physical and mental wellbeing. With the support of a physiotherapist, Linh can now walk short distances with the aid of a walking stick.
Watch a short film about Thu’s story here.
Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Lee Pethybridge
College Leader - Faith and Community