From the Chaplain

Welcome back to Term 2, the week of Anzac Day remembrance. Those of us in the Christian tradition are in the season of Easter and Resurrection, reflecting on death and new life. In 2010, I had the privilege of visiting Anzac Cove in Turkey just before April 25 and was able to sit with fellow Australian friends and reflect on the tragedy of the Anzacs and what this continues to mean for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and for those who serve in the Armed Forces. My own great grandfather died in one of wars following World War I as an officer in the British Indian Army. I think of him whenever we offer prayers for all servicemen and women around the world.

Our Muslim families have just celebrated Eid Al Fitr, the festival which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, so a very happy Eid to all of you!

If you keep up to date with all things Pymble, you would have seen Principal, Dr Hadwen, who has been on a spiritual journey herself, walking with Jewish and non-Jewish sojourners in Poland (International March of the Living), remembering the Holocaust and standing in solidarity with all Jewish people around the world. On April 18 18 was Yom Ha Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) which is set aside to remember the six million Jews who died as victims of the nazis during World War II. Our prayers for continued compassion and mercy in the world as we remember.

As we enter Term 2, with winter on its way and seasons shifting, we can begin to think of ways to continue caring for ourselves and our families, by nurturing one another as God, in all of God’s mercy, does for us.  In post-resurrection narratives of Jesus, his followers found it difficult to see him in his transformed being and yet encountered him with great surprise and effervescent joy and disbelief. We are called to embrace change and see God through transformed lenses.

This week in my devotions this was the suggested spiritual practice which I share with you:

• Take some time this week to walk with a trusted friend and notice the transformations occurring in nature all around you. Notice any changes occurring in your body as you do this. Take some time to sit down with each other to acknowledge any untended grief, stress or joy. Be present to the stillness and silence within, knowing it is flowing love beyond all identifications, stories, and earthly suffering. Know that this practice itself has begun another transformation. See for one another how you have been transformed. (Contemplative Outreach, April 23 Word of the Week)

Prayers for a safe and blessed term for you and your children. May the good Lord walk with you in all your mountaintop and valley moments.

Reverend Punam Bent

College Chaplain