From the Chaplains

Easter greetings for this weekend to those of us celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as a way of remembering God with us, God beside us and God encompassing us.

I hope as the weather changes you can find a moment to sense the message hidden as the mood shifts with the season. As it grows darker earlier, may you have moments to light a candle and sit with yourself or a loved one, and if you have your family and children around you, them as well.

Sitting together and honouring these moments can also be felt within the Jewish celebration of Passover (PESACH). This celebration is at the heart of the Jewish faith for centuries and marks the liberation of the Israelites who were freed from slavery in Egypt, and led by God.

The coolness of the weather makes one mindful of wardrobe changes and warmer clothes. Change can be welcome when we look forward to being part of it rather than resisting it. Lent has been a period of reflection and fasting for some and it is no coincidence that our Muslim brothers and sisters are also partaking of a similar practice during the holy month of Ramadan.

As we think of God amid our suffering, I turn to the work and message of Uniting World through Lent. Uniting World believes in solidarity not Charity and I do love this approach. For it is when we sit at the table together, that we partake in the sharing of that which we have been blessed with.

Last week we had the opportunity to attend an Iftar dinner hosted by Australian International Academy in Strathfield. 

I had the privilege of attending this sacred meal with 11 students and two teachers from Pymble. This time was shared with Muslim students and staff in a community that housed a Hindu temple (incredible!) It is moments like these where Christ breaks through for me through sitting in solidarity with one another and sharing a friendship that shifts tolerance into harmony, and a probability into possibility.

May the risen Christ who gives us life and hope, bless us this Easter with the joy life brings and support in those times when we are challenged. Have a blessed Passover, a holy Easter, and a reflective Ramadan.

Reverend Punam Bent

College Chaplain