Living Justice Living Peace

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. John (13: 3-6)

This passage from John’s gospel that I often refer to in religion classes is one that can be brushed over, or not really unpacked. A lot of the time we focus on this Gospel through the symbolic act of cleansing someone’s feet and what this means for the disciples, however, instead I turn my focus to Jesus and the act of ‘him’ washing the disciples' feet.  

How extraordinary, if we imagine today someone washing our feet.  Not just anyone, someone whom we respect, revere and admire. In Jesus’ time bathing was not as frequent and footwear was not the same as we have today, making this act all the more intriguing.  What was Jesus hoping to achieve by undertaking this gracious act of service?  

Most people are unknowingly role models for others. It is also the major role of being a parent. However, it can also be applied in our school environment; the Year 7s looking up to their older peers, or the students looking up to their teachers/mentors for guidance.  If we truly think about service and our influence, what are we teaching those who look up to us?  Are we teaching them that we are above them or that we are too busy for them, or are we teaching them the message of Jesus, through service and action? Our student leaders will be guided through the fundamentals of servant leadership, but it does not simply begin and end with our leaders.  It is every single person that belongs to our community of St Joseph’s College.

I heard an extraordinary act last week of a student in our community Jazmyn Vickers, who creates goodie bags for those in palliative care at the Echuca Hospital. She began this project during our Year 9 Personal Best program, and has continued this initiative in her own personal time.  

Living Peace, Living Justice begins with the smallest of actions and often at times, not the most glamorous. We sometimes think about giving through monetary donations, which in varying circumstances is helpful, yet the nitty gritty and more challenging tasks require time, energy and perseverance and are left for others to complete or not completed at all.  

My hope for our young people and community this year is that we learn the meaning of service in all its different forms.

Brooke O’Brien

Living Justice Living Peace Leader