Chaplains’ Chat

Last week was Harmony Week —a celebration of the diversity and multiculturalism that makes up our great nation of Australia. As part of Harmony Week, our Chapel Services became a special time to give careful consideration and reflect on how we can live in peace and harmony with others. Speaking two thousand years ago to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul instructed them, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” (Romans 12:16). Harmony has always been a priority among God’s people and it is a noble task to strive for.

A special part of our Harmony Week Chapel involved readings of the Bible and prayers in different languages to reflect the diversity of our society. Christianity is the most diverse religion in the world, with people of every nation holding to the Christian faith. The Bible itself is the most translated book in the world. It is available in over 3000 languages and millions of Christians in the world are not reading the Bible in English. For comparison, there are more Christians in China than the entire population of Australia three times over!

Accompanying our Harmony Week Chapel was the message from Mr Ho, reflecting on the words of Psalm Chapter 84. He shared a bit about his family’s history and the dangers his parents faced when fleeing Vietnam after the Vietnam war in search of a better future. He shared how they found that future here in Australia — a land of opportunity — where they could start afresh.

In Psalm 84, we are promised a secure future that cannot be taken away from us and that is greater than anything we can imagine. In this Psalm, God is described as our provider and protector who invites us to dwell with him. In fact, the psalmist goes as far as to declare that “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10) Mr Ho had the students think about the best day they could imagine — the people they would be with, the food they would eat, the activities they would do — and times that by one thousand! But even then, one day with God trumps them all. We can trust that God, who gave us all the best things we enjoy here on Earth, has something even better (if that is possible to imagine!) in Heaven with Him.

Rev John Sheldon
Chaplain (Acting)