From the College Chaplain

The news yesterday morning about the finding of Cleo Smith, the young Western Australian girl who had been taken from a tent while camping with her family, was the best news everyone could have hoped for. The 18 days until she was found must have been incredibly traumatic for her family, and as each day went by, the search for her intensified. After more than two weeks with no trace of her, some people had begun to consider the worst outcome. 

Then early on Wednesday morning, the news broke that she had been found, and there was joy and relief that she was alive and well. This good news brought smiles to the faces of all those who had been following the story.

The search for Cleo unified the community in Western Australia to find the little girl. Many folks did whatever they could to support the cause. Those around the area joined the search, some further removed put bumper stickers on their cars, and many others could do little more than pray. However, there was a sense that we could work together for the common good. We held hope for a positive outcome and acted accordingly.

In a time when our society is at risk of being shallow and self-focused, events like this show us that when we come together and look out for one another, not just for ourselves, our life together can be better. 

Jesus invited people to be part of building something beyond themselves. He talked of transforming the world, and he inspired hope in difficult times. He taught that a relationship with God brings us into a new relationship with those around us. We are called to love our neighbours and work for the common good of all. He showed how this is possible when we each act with hope in our personal lives and allow this to guide our public life.

Celebrating good news and taking action for the good of others are simple ways we can foster hope and bring about transformation.