From the Chaplains

There is a simple wooden statue that sits on the windowsill in the Chaplains’ office. I often look at it as I am reflecting and preparing a lesson, a chapel service… or a newsletter article!  

The statue represents Jesus Christ, arms outstretched. It is of course also symbolic of the cross.  

Those arms, eternally outstretched, are ready to embrace each individual and indeed the whole world.  

They remind me that God is a God of invitation, not exclusion.  

They remind me that God is a God of relationship, not of splendid isolation.  

They remind me that God is Love.  

These eternally outstretched arms also remind me that I, too, as a limited human being (but made in the image of God) need to stretch out my arms to embrace others. To invite, to include, to listen, to acknowledge.  

Sometimes it’s easier to not invite and to not include. To keep our arms closely folded. 

But I think every time we do offer, or include, or invite or listen, we open up more spiritual space within us. We expand as a human and become more, somehow. And then we have more to give!  

Sometimes it’s as simple as rejoicing with those who rejoice and crying with those who cry. The apostle Paul wrote to the fledgling church in Rome, encouraging the believers there to be a community of love and peace:  

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”    (Romans 12:15-18) 

The arms of God are always open to us, whenever we want to run back into them. Just as the father in the story of the rebellious, disrespectful, selfish, ‘prodigal’ son runs to welcome his son back, so too does God meet us, in all our messiness and imperfections, where we are and embraces us.  

“But while his son was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”                                            (Luke 15:20) 

We are able to enter into this gracious embrace and invitation from God because of what Jesus has done on the cross for us.  

I pray that, whatever your faith tradition, your family will have a safe and blessed week, and that you will feel the embrace and invitation of God.  

Edwina O’Brien

Assistant College Chaplain