From the Principal

This statement found in Mathew’s gospel is definitely an interesting one. It beckons us not to reduce this grand statement to the category of new cars, paychecks and physical

acquisitions. This statement is about God wanting us to fly. He wants us to be free from yesterday’s guilt and He wants us to fly free of our current fears.  He wants us to fly free from sin, fear and death. These are the mountains he has moved and these are the prayers he will answer. These sentiments reflect our Lutheran understanding of the concept of the theology of the cross and the theology of glory. 

 

The Theology of the Cross is often referred to as the theology of revelation which cannot be understood by reason. The Lutheran understanding about the theology of the cross is that our God is a hidden God and one who is revealed to us through faith and scripture. The theology of the cross attempts to address the most fundamental meaning of the Christian gospel (Bartsch, 2001. pg. 42). Humans are not able to understand God through philosophical speculation or to know God through living a ‘good life’. Lutheran theology is based on the belief that God is known through His revelation to humanity, especially through human pain and suffering. 

 

The theology of glory is often referred to as the opposite to the theology of the cross and Lutheran theology acknowledges the tendency of people to look for God in ways that show power and success such as miracles or supernatural happenings. According to Althaus “The theology of glory seeks to know God directly, in His obviously divine power, wisdom and glory.” (Althaus, P. 1966 pg. 27 as found in Bartsch, M.2001, pg.43). It is also important to note the role that sin plays in understanding the theology of glory. Sin can lead people to trust which is not real, to worship a God created in their own image not realizing that reason alone cannot lead to a true understanding of God. 

 

The statement in Mathew’s gospel shows us that God is with us in all that we do, experience, hope for and achieve. God reveals himself in all aspects of our lives, although hidden. It is though our faith in God that we are able to traverse the ups and downs in life and it is because of this that we have the freedom to fly. 

 

 

Monash Scholars Program

The Monash Scholars Program provides selected high achieving students from Years 10 - 12 with an exclusive opportunity to engage with Monash University. Students apply for and are admitted into the program mid-way through Year 10.  

 

Scholars are expected to commit around 20 hours a year to the program; this will mostly involve attending on-campus events at our metro-based campuses after school hours and during the holidays. Scholars who successfully gain a place at Monash University after completing Year 12 will continue to receive benefits including leadership and ambassador opportunities. 

 

It is with great pleasure that I announce Thomas Thoonan as the recipient of the Monash Scholars Program award for 2023. Thomas was nominated for the scholarship by his teachers who have recognised his commitment and dedication to his studies. 

 

We wish Thomas the very best as he embarks upon this exciting program.

 

 

Robert Tassoni

Principal