Chaplains’ Chat

There are times in life when we will feel anxious or worried about things. For all of our students who have either just finished some exams, or have exams and assessments approaching, this can be one such time. For so many of our worries, we have such feelings because of the unknown. We are certainly not in control of circumstances like we would like to be, and so we often worry. Another reason why we worry is because we want people to think well of us, so we are worried by how we might act or speak in different circumstances.

Jesus often speaks about worry, and yet he also goes deeper into what is behind our worry in regard to our values, our thinking and what we prioritise in life. Certainly, Jesus reminds his disciples in their worry that they should remember bigger issues in life. While exams are important and we want students to work as well as they can, we also know that exams and a mark in a Maths paper do not define us as people. We are deeply loved by families and deeply loved by God. So much so that Jesus reminds his disciples in John 14 to not be troubled in heart. Why? Because the bigger picture for Jesus concerns life and even eternal life as he reminds his disciples that he going to prepare a place for them in heaven where they can be with him. This wonderful reminder does speak to us in our worry and reminds us to continue to think outwardly and a bigger picture of life with God.

Rev Anthony Benn
Chaplain