Term 3, Week 9 - 18 September - 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

It gives me great pleasure to announce our Captains for 2020 - 2021:

These 13 new leaders were inducted into their positions this week at a special assembly, where they were presented with their badges. For further information on this event please go to the section in this newsletter. I am looking forward to working with this new group of Student Leaders and I thank our current Student Leaders for the way they have led the students this year. They have left a legacy, which our new leaders can build on.

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

In 2021 we will continue to have two Assistant Principals in the College; however, the titles and responsibilities will change. Kathy Warby will be Assistant Principal - Mission & Pastoral Care which is similar to the position she has been in this year. The second AP will be Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching. It is with pleasure that I welcome Dianne McGowan to this position in 2021. Dianne is currently Teacher Accreditation and Learning Consultant with the Catholic Schools Office, Lismore. Previous to this Dianne held various curriculum positions at St John Paul College in Coffs Harbour. We look forward to welcoming Di to our College in 2021.

Year Coordinator Symposium

In the last fortnight members of our Pastoral Care Team have been participating in some valuable professional development presented by the Catholic Schools Office, Lismore. Topics included Understanding Eating Disorders, Returning to School planning, Law and Pastoral Care, Responding to Young People who self harm, and sharing practice such as Proactive Strategies. Developing and equipping our middle leaders is an element of our school improvement plan, with the intention to further support the learning and wellbeing of our students.

Quicksmart Graduation

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the presentation of our first graduates of the Quicksmart Numeracy program. This is an intervention program that was reinstated this year through our Learning Support Team and Mathematics faculty, with Mr Col Speed currently running the program. The students from year 7 & 8 who completed the progam proudly accepted their Graduation. All are congratulated for their achievements.  

Staff Development Days Term 3 & 4

Term 3: School finishes for students on Thursday 24th September. Staff will be participating in their Spirituality Day on Friday 25th September which is an annual event and an opportunity to spend time as a staff renewing our faith together as this is an important and integral part of who are as a College community. We will also spend the morning session deepening our knoweldge and understanding of Aboriginal Culture.

Term 4: Students return to school on Tuesday 13th October. The staff development day on Monday 12th will be focussed on Learning Technology and Differentiation in the Classroom.

Staff Changes

• Michael Burton is on leave for the remainder of the year. 
• Fran McHugh will be taking leave for Term 4. Fran has been working 2 days a week this term.

Replacement teachers for Term 4 will be announced in the next newsletter.

Year 12 2020

It is with sadness we say farewell to our Year 12 students of 2020. Since their Trial HSC exams students have received feedback from their teachers, highlighting areas to work on and skills to improve. Practical subjects have completed their projects, with all major Art works now completed, and our Music students are ready to  perform for examiners.

This week the year 12’s and staff have competed for the prestigious Salad Bowl, an annual competition that has become a popular event in the calendar. The winners will be announced next week at the Year 12 presentation. Next week Year 12 will participate in their Reflection Day (Tuesday) replacing their retreat experience and Wednesday is a Year 12 Mystery Day. Thursday is our Graduation Day and, although it will look a little different due to COVID restrictions, please know that a lot of time and effort has gone into this event to ensure it is memorable and reflective of the importance we give it. Due to COVID the Graduation is restricted to Year 12 and staff. It will be streamed live from 9.30 am via Facebook Live and it will also be recorded. This is being done by professionals, contracted by the school. Details will be sent out next week to the school community. 

We wish our year 12 students all the best as they prepare to leave the formality and routine of school life. As a College, in partnership with your parents, we sincerely believe you have developed into amazing young adults ready to take on the world in many different ways. The experiences you have had in school will hold you in good stead. You should be proud of your achievements, as we are, especially the resilience and courage you have shown this year through COVID times. Spend time in the coming break preparing thoroughly for your HSC exams.

As this is the last newsletter for the term I extend to everyone a safe and relaxing holiday and thank the parent community for their support this term.

Kind regards,

Kate

Kate Thomson

Principal 

“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” Catherine McAuley

Advice for parents regarding the extremely distressing content that has gone viral online from Kirra Pendergast at Safe on Social Media.

This is a challenging topic to discuss with young people. We advise that you be careful not to draw attention to it or stimulate curiosity for a child to search for it.

The content is still online and will take some time to come down. It has been embedded into videos ranging from kittens playing to Mario Cart. These videos are on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and YouTube for Kids.

In talks to primary school age students, I always say, "if you ever see anything yucky online that makes you feel scared, upset or even if it makes you feel a bit weird in the tummy, talk to Mum, Dad or another trusted adult."

With Highschool students, I always mention similar, but obviously in language to suit the audience. I also let them know if they don't feel comfortable talking to their parents that they can speak with one of the school welfare team, a teacher, another trusted adult, or call Kids Helpline.

Please make sure your children know to speak up.

Tips for Parents:

1. Be as involved in your child's online life as you are their offline life. To them, it is just "life" . It is so blurred now there is no definition in the eyes of a young person.

2. Think about the age recommendations; it is not illegal for a child to use social media under the age of 13yrs with their parents' permission but think about what they are being exposed to. When we sign up to use apps, there are extensive terms and conditions of use. By ticking that box accepting them, you are signing a document that puts all the onus back on the user. You are signing up to be a data generating commodity, handing over personal information that can be sold and shared at the app's discretion. When you click "I agree" to most terms and conditions on social media platforms – you give it up by legal contract. And you probably didn't even read them. Most adults don't let alone a child.

Carnegie Mellon researchers estimated that for an average individual to read all the terms and conditions we should – it would take 76 days. So, you could legitimately argue the impossibility of this. Instagram's Terms and Conditions are over 5000 words long. Facebook sits at around 15,000. TikTok has a couple of pages; Google's terms and conditions are shorter than Facebook.

The practice of tech companies is to either: bombard you with so much detail, it is incredibly unrealistic to expect anyone ( especially a child) to read through them all, or to create brief terms and conditions that are deceptively simple, and in effect, sign away all rights to your content, and personal information by using vague legal speak. Some of the things they state are:

"you grant us a non-exclusive, transferrable, sub-licensable, royalty-free worldwide license to use any IP content that you post on or in connection with the app."

Pictures, videos, posts, private messages, ANYTHING you have on your page is licensed to the app and can be sold or shared for media and marketing purposes.

It also includes:

All device information, your connections, what you share, and what you delete.

What groups you are members of and what you follow.

Your location and your IP address and the length of time you spend online.

How you bank, your billing details, delivery, and home address.

What your friends post about you.

Wi-Fi nearby and Bluetooth "handshakes."

Mobile towers nearby, mobile number, connections speeds

Your ISP and all the cookies that are stored on your device.

3. Use parental controls where possible to minimise exposure to harmful and distressing content.

4. Engage with them about their favourite social media app and get them to teach you about it so you can at least know the basics. Get them to show you how to block and report so you can be sure they know how to.

5. Put healthy boundaries in place. Don't ban them from their device if they forget to do a household chore or are naughty for something totally unrelated to their device. Do not take it off them if they speak up about something that has happened online because you are scared. This is the quickest way to drive all the conversations that you want to be having underground. Instead, if you have a healthy boundary like all devices are banned from the bathroom or bedroom. So then if they are caught with their device in either place, you ban them for a week. This way, they will learn that it is safe to speak up about what is going on online without punishment unless they break the rules about device use. Limit use to the family room with younger kids so that you can monitor them.

6. Be a good role model. Keep your screen time in check. There is no use banning the phones from bedrooms if you go to bed with yours each night, for example.
   

Online Safety Education - What works and what doesn’t - Resource from the Lismore Diocese

Hello Parents and Students,

I sincerely hope this finds you well.  It has been a long term, one of getting back on track, one of coming to terms with a new “normal”, one of uncertainty, and one of coping with change.

In getting back on track, we have had to remind students about our rules, our policies, our values.  Letters have been issued to families regarding attendance and uniform infringement.  Can I please take this opportunity to say thankyou to the families who have responded positively to our requests for improvement in attendance and to our requests for wearing our school uniform with pride.  We take these matters seriously and appreciate the overwhelming support.

In coming to terms with a new “normal”, uncertain times and coping with change, I’d like to say thankyou to our students, in particular our Year 12 students, who have had to finish their time at our College with great flexibility and compromise.  Our recent discussions have been around the theme of finishing well, no matter what.  Let’s carry this attitude right through until the graduation ceremony, in whatever form it takes.

Anyway, enough talk about school.  Let’s talk about the holidays!  Holidays are a great time for me to read and do some professional and personal development.  These holidays are all about parenting advice which ticks both boxes!!

Last year, I read a book called “Teen Brain” by an Australian man named David Gillespie.  It’s a book based on sound research about how our teenagers’ brains are susceptible to addiction, anxiety and depression.  There are no real quick fixes to dealing with this, rather an encouragement of firm boundaries for parents of teenagers, particularly relating to use of all mobile devices, including laptop computers.

This year, I’m learning about podcasts, in particular a podcast called “Parental As Anything” by an Australian mother / teacher / counsellor named Maggie Dent.  I heard a recent episode from this podcast and was immediately taken by Maggie’s reinforcement of kindness and compassion to our teenagers as they navigate their rapidly changing world and their inability to express themselves as they grow and develop.

I’m always looking for tips on how to be a better parent.  If that’s something you’re interested in as well, please explore the following links.  I’m sure you’ll find something of interest:

David Gillespie discussion with ABC's Richard Fidler

Maggie Dent / Richard Fidler interview ABC

Maggie Dent Podcast

Take care, have a great break, God bless,

Rob Imeson
Leader of Pastoral Care

Principal Address at the Student Leadership Handover

At the start of the year I stated my vision for the College - which was and still is:  that MCC is a community that  is student centred and faith based  - which for me means that MCC is an authentic, inclusive, student focused, Christ centred community, full of learning experiences  which prepares our students for the future and enables them to grow as a person, to reach the fullness of life.,  and  to leave as “Good People” to do  great things and make a difference in this world. 

An area of great importance to me is Student Leadership, an avenue for student voice and student development, so it gives me great pleasure to induct our new leaders for 2020 - 2021 but also sadness as I say thank you to our outgoing leaders.

Leadership is not always easy, It can be a little bit lonely, hard work and overwhelming at times. But it can also be inspiring, satisfying, invigorating and joyful because it is done in service. This quote from Pope Francis resonates with me:

 “Our life spreads light when it is given in service. The secret of joy is living to serve.” Pope Francis

I believe we have 13 new Student Leaders in front of us ready to lead the College as Servant Leaders. I interviewed each of them and heard or read their speeches. Each of them is proud to be a student of MCC. They all want to give back to the College, strive to continually improve this school, make it a community that shows respect, compassion, care, where there is justice and tolerance, Make this a place where everyone feels safe, welcome and that they belong.  A place where Christ is the model of what we do. 

Our outgoing leaders have left a legacy which our new leaders will strive to follow and build on. I thank Quinnlan, Rachel, Laura, Joel, Ariana, Ellie, Evan, Lucy, Corey, Emily, Nash, Eve and James for your service to the College. I have enjoyed working with you and we will thank you again next week. 

Congratulations to Ryan, Jacqui, Hanna, Corey, April, Hollie, Ryley, Koran, Georgia, Tom, Charleze, Tom and Alana for accepting your badges today and the responsibilities that go with this symbol and the positions. I look forward to the next year working with you as the Student Representatives of the College. 

We will walk and work together, modelling the Mercy Values of Respect, Justice, Compassion, Excellence and Hospitality, to ensure our  College is a student centred, Catholic community where everyone can  strive to be the best person they can be.

Striving for Goodness

Year 8 Catholic Studies classes have just completed a project where students were exposed to a series of strategies for how we can strive to be better individuals and help one another to achieve goodness. To complete the unit, students conducted a research activity whereby they published a pamphlet advertising local community organisations that strive for goodness and consequently help individuals. 

Some of the amazing projects can be found below. 

Vinnies Volunteers
Year 10 students recently had the opportunity to apply to help out at St Vincent de Paul in Grafton on Saturday mornings. Many Year 11 and 12 students already give their time to help out the poor and disadvantaged in our local community. Congratulations to our new recruits and well done to all of these student volunteers!

2020 Open Week Online - 14 - 18 September

Open Week Online is right around the corner!

Our Open Days are an exciting time for prospective students, their friends and families. 

While the current COVID-19 restrictions mean we're unable to welcome you to campus just yet, we can't wait to 'see' you all virtually, for our Open Week Online.

Throughout our week-long virtual event, you'll have access to over 40 degree webinars, live information webinars including sessions with our admissions, pathways and scholarships teams, live tours and loads more. 

Register now for Open Week Online and go into the draw to win a pair of Beats by Dre Headphones!

Scholarship Success

Southern Cross University recently let us know about the wonderful student nominations submitted for the Southern Cross University 2020 Chancellor’s Scholarship. 

We are delighted to let you know Tahlia Herbert accepted the Scholarship offer and is currently studying Bachelor of Nursing. Congratulations Tahlia! 

SCU Head Start

This year Southern Cross University launched a free new program called Head Start which was designed to help Year 11 and 12 students who have been impacted by COVID-19. It offered a new pathway into University.   

SCU’s Head-Start provided an opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students (HSC) to gain direct entry and advanced standing into a variety of courses offered at SCU.

Free from university fees, the program offered students the chance to gain a taste of university life, stimulate their interest in academic pursuits and enhance their educational performance and long term aspirations.

The program was designed for students who have the academic capability to succeed at university.

Applicants were selected on merit, based on their academic performance, a personal statement and the recommendation of the Principal.

We  would like to congratulate EVAN WHITTY for his success in passing the course requirements. Well done Evan!

Applications for 2021 are now open

Rod Paton
Careers Adviser

McAuley Catholic College 2020 Quicksmart Numeracy Graduation 

On Friday 4 of September, 11 Students successfully graduated from the Quicksmart Numeracy Course.  

Students completed a 10 -12 week course which focused on improving self confidence in their ability to solve and recall number facts, calculations, acquisition of appropriate mathematics language and problem solving skills. 

The primary aim of Quicksmart is for students to develop automaticity along with self confidence and self-esteem in their own ability to successfully solve Math’s Problems based on their year level and ability. 

Lessons featured both structured and incidental strategy instructions, with the aim of moving students onto a more sophisticated and efficient strategies including automatic recalls.  

From a personal perspective I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to coordinate the MCC 2020 Quicksmart Numeracy Course. 

To witness the student’s progression, their growth in self-confidence, along with the different problem solving strategies learnt, to then see these being implemented back into the classroom has been a very rewarding experience. 

Thank you to Mr Andrew Marks and Mrs Meg Bindon for their assistance in organising this program.

Colin Speed 
MCC Quicksmart Numeracy Coordinator 

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 were provided with the opportunity to participate in a Heywire workshop run by ABC producer, Simone Tunbridge. Heywire is an annual competition run by the ABC and the Australian Government. It begins with a storytelling competition and is open to young Australians aged 16-22 living in regional or rural Australia. 

Simone acknowledged that “it is not always easy to write a story about ourselves. Sometimes we don’t know what to talk about or we don’t know how to start.” With expert craft, Simone was able to take students through the storytelling process. Students discussed the importance for young people to share their stories and completed a series of activities with prompt questions to help them find a unique story and get their ideas on paper. Students also listened to and viewed true stories from past Heywire winners.

We thank Simone for her time and expertise in engaging students in the Heywire workshop and further developing their story writing skills and technique. 

Entries for the Heywire competition close 16 September.

International Literacy Day occurs on September 8 every year to highlight the literacy issues that exist amongst our communities as well as internationally. Even though there has been some progress in improving literacy rates, illiteracy remains a global problem with roughly 750 million adults who cannot read. 

Throughout Week 8, the students took part in various events to celebrate International Literacy Day. Some of the activities included poetry writing, MCC spelling bee, song composition, entrepreneur writing task, and a creative crime scene investigation. Thank you to all the staff and students who took part to make it a great day. 

Congratulations to those students who completed some excellent crime scene stories, particularly Brooke Chapman, Tracey Cassidy, Max Carroll, Mayha Mead-Davies, Jarrah Lett, William Tait, Violet Campbell, Keoni Smilies, Takara Smith and Jacqueline Samms.

Here is a sample of work from Brooke Chapman in Mr Bancroft’s 7.2 Woodwork class:

A familiar scent of sawdust fills my lungs. Flecks of wood sleep on the floor from previous days' work. The strong smell of oil lathered onto machinery is engulfed into my nostrils. The early morning mist sticks to my sun bleached and stained clothes. I take a deep breath of fresh air, welcoming the earthy, comforting smell of sawdust and sliced wood. 

A singing chorus of working machines fills the sawmill. Their low clanking voices matching my pumping heart beat. They spit out the smooth, freshly cut wood, ready to swallow more. I heave in air as I push another log into the machine, its rough, coarse bark creating blisters on my hands. I eagerly race to the other end, met by the same piece of wood. I clutch it again, this time it is smooth against my finger tips. The newly cut wood is like a massage to my blistered hands. 

Just like that the work begins again, racing the machine, racing the wood. The transformation from a rough log to a smooth plank of wood. The smell of sweat and sawdust mingle in the air, and I breathe them in gratefully. 

Below are a few images from students who are involved in the Now+ project which is recycling single use plastics to make huge blow up sculptures at the Grafton regional gallery. Also the students have been learning how to make stencils and spray painting techniques on skateboard decks.

In Term 1 2020 BC (Before COVID) we started a new activity every Tuesday lunch called Jigsaw Club. HSIE Teacher, Lena Jansons, donated the 1st puzzle. It was a 1000 piecer entitled ‘That’s Life’. Everything was going really well and then Blended Learning/COVID happened!!!

At the start of Term 3 we got it back into it and finally we finished last Tuesday. But of course it finished on that typical jigsaw ending with the last piece missing!!! It has been good fun and over the 2 terms we have had lots of students come along and do a few pieces. 

TAS Teacher, Dean Coggan, has donated 5 new puzzles and we will start a new one next term.

The library is a buzzing location at lunch with students reading, playing Chess or Uno and using laptops for pleasure on every day except Thursday. There is also the senior study where Yr 11 are often working in 2nd half lunch.

Mark Bellamy
Teacher-Librarian

In week 7, following the Trial HSC exams, Year 12 took a day out of their usual routine to participate in their Wellbeing Day. Students were involved in various workshops, activities and discussions in line with the theme for the day “Improving my wellbeing and preparing for the future”. So often we hear about things young people have to learn after they leave school that they ‘wished they had told us at school’, this guided our planning for the day. 

In the morning, Mark McGrath from Headspace, presented ideas and tips for support during “Year 13” as students move from a structured and routine environment to a life of more freedom and uncertainty. Following this, students participated in a creative workshop, where they created a mosaic tile that represented them. These tiles will be mounted around the school and form a legacy that we can remember this cohort by. 

The second session was focussed on respectful relationships and how these may change and develop as students move to the next chapter of their lives. We explored rights and responsibilities in relationships and had frank but insightful discussions about relationships and consent. 

The afternoon was a tailored experience to suit the students wants and needs. Students selected the activity they participated in, either a wellbeing boosting activity such as physical activity, meditation, clay session, music and golf or a life skill such as cooking or car maintenance. 

The students engaged well with the planned activities and are to be congratulated on their positive attitude they displayed throughout the day. Thank you also goes to the teachers who volunteered to organise and facilitate these worthwhile activities. 

Nikita Robinson
Year 12 Coordinator

The current student leadership team had its final meeting on Monday and had time to reflect on the past year. On our development day at the end of 2019, as a group, we collectively came up with many initiatives and goals ultimately wanting to build community through Servant Leadership. Despite the COVID disruptions, we were still able to achieve many of these which we hope the students enjoyed. 

Tuesday marked the beginning of the annual Salad Bowl competition. The Teachers vs Year 12s sports are always highly competitive and enjoyable for anyone in the school to watch. The teachers took the first win in volleyball with ease but the students are hoping to take it home winning netball and the McAuley favourite of Campbell Soup later in the week. Game on.

With the Year 11 Leadership assembly on Tuesday, the new captains for 2021 were announced. Congratulations to all the newly elected leaders and good luck in the year ahead. 

We would like to say thank you to Mr Bellamy, Mrs Robinson and Chelsea for assisting us every week in the student leadership meetings. Without your ongoing assistance and support our year wouldn't have been possible. Many thanks also to Ms Thomson for joining us when possible and being supportive of our ambitious goals. A final thank you to all the students for being involved and being a part of our community. Remember, encourage, lift and strengthen each other to build a stronger community.

30th Anniversary of (Catherine) McAuley Catholic College.

2003

2002

2001

New President of St. Mary’s Conference 

The idea of Catholic Social teachings at its best and alive in the life of McAuley Catholic College is because of the vision of the outgoing president, Mr Barry Whalley.

Outgoing President Barry Whalley, our own Year 12 student  Ari Smjastr, MCC Faith and Action Leader and the Lismore Diocese Central Council Youth Representative, with David Byrnes the new President, a past parent of MCC (just like Barry).

We wish to thank Barry Whalley, our outgoing President for his guidance and support with our school’s participation in Vinnies. It was Barry, in 2015 who introduced the students in becoming active members of Vinnies. In the usual membership drive, a student asked about Vinnies and Barry saw an opportunity to foster a young membership and assisting the poor and needy in our midst in a different but effective way. Support on weekends was badly needed and our students are providing it with much enthusiasm and at the same time, empathy.  At this point in Covid-19  times, it is the youth of Vinnies that are able to be active members and Vinnies is able to operate. Older members are not in the position to continue the work due to the restrictions.

During the last 5 years, we have had nearly 100 students, staff and parents volunteer on Saturday mornings to assist the needy and poor neighbours in our own community.

With ongoing support with the Breakfast program, BBQ trailer and other initiatives such as family meals during the lockdown, our own school community has benefited greatly from support from Vinnies. Our neighbours can be very close!

It was a visionary initiative from Barry that allowed our participation in Vinnies to be viewed as ground-breaking and other communities across the state are looking at our model. This is all to Barry’s vision. We want to thank Barry for his leadership, vision and support with our students. It has made our school so much more special because of our contribution to our local community

At the same time, another past parent David Byrnes has taken on the reins as President. He is enthusiastic to continue the work that our students undertake. We look forward to working with Dave who brings a great wealth of knowledge and experience providing care and assistance for the poor and needy and at the same time working with students. Dave, with his educational background, is perfect for the position!

Who is this wonderful student that has an important role in Vinnies?

Ari’s role as Vinnies “Lismore Central Council Youth Representative” is a voluntary position. She ultimately takes up the role as a youth leader where she liaises with other youth reps and acts as a voice for young people within the Lismore Diocese and keeps the Central Council informed of any youth issues within our community. 

Ari conferences with the team online through zoom at the moment. The team discuss what each of their communities do at corresponding Vinnies conferences and they tend to talk about and discuss their social justice passions, say a few prayers and what they can do to engage youth within the St Vincent De Paul Society. 

While she is quite restricted from meeting with the team in Newcastle due to COVID, Ari hopes that once things hopefully settle down and finish the HSC, she can further volunteer and engage with the team.

Are you interested in Vinnies?

While we have good numbers in the 2020 Year 10 cohort to keep the membership numbers up, we are always looking for new members. Please contact me for further details.

Blessed Frederic Ozanam, founder of St. Vincent de Paul. Founder's words inspire Vincentians on feast day

Members of the St Vincent de Paul Society celebrated the feast day of founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam on Wednesday, September 9th, highlighting his call to “walk with companions” during difficult times.

“This year as we reflect on his extraordinary work and legacy, we are especially mindful of the call to walk even more closely with companions in the face of historic drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID pandemic,” said Claire Victory, National President of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia.

“Some are asking for a hand up for the first time in their lives. It is something many find challenging.

“The writings of Frederic Ozanam provide us with the inspiration to respond creatively to anyone affected by difficult times.”

In correspondence with other members of the Society, Blessed Frederic wrote:

The knowledge of social wellbeing is learned, not from books, nor from public debate, but in climbing the stairs to the poor man’s garret, sitting by his bedside, feeling the same cold that pierces him, sharing the secret of his lonely heart and troubled mind.

When we know first-hand the conditions of the poor in school, at work, in hospital, in the city, in the country, everywhere that God has placed them, then and only then can we begin to grasp the elements of poverty and hope we may resolve it.

Ms Victory said Blessed Frederic’s words were a reminder of the importance of the need to “remain in communion” with people suffering from hardships.

Tom Howard
MCC Vinnies Coordinator (School Baile)

Please find attached the latest Parish Bulletin from Clarence Valley Parish.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT 11

Mark 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ² As it is written in the Prophets:

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.”
³ “The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”

⁴ John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance ^[b]for the remission of sins. ⁵ Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

⁶ Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. ⁸ I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

For 400 years there had been silence of the prophetic then John bursts on the scene with the words “Thus says the Lord” and people stream out to hear his message from God.

They listen. They repent. They get baptized. His message was shocking to the times and to the people he was calling to take a bath in the Jordan. After all they were the Jews, God’s chosen people. The people of God who had been entrusted to evangelize the world, a people who could trace their lineage back to Moses,  Father Abraham and to Adam himself.

They had been eagerly waiting for the Messiah, the Christ, since Moses spoke to them about this Son of God, this special Prophet, while they were still in the wilderness.

It was understood that those becoming Jews needed a bath a “baptism”, but them?

The favoured people?

John’s message was that the Messiah was at hand and they weren’t ready! They were unclean and needed to repent, get washed and wait for this messiah who was now amongst them. This one bringing the Kingdom of God to earth.

It seems to me that our expectations often dictate what we are waiting for. We form images in our mind.  However, if that expectation comes in an unexpected way, we often tend to reject the gift when it does in fact arrive. We don’t recognize it because its foreign to our belief about it and to our thinking.

Scripture, the Gospel of Jesus, challenges us to continually re-evaluate our expectations – especially those concerning the Lord. His righteousness so often challenges our/my way of life, my thinking and service.

How about you? Think about it. Blessings.  (David Ogg)

Last newsletter we included some resources from The Soul. If you would like to receive this weekly newsletter, register as an additional reader to The Soul mailing list using this form