Fostering curiosity
By Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
Two recent experiences have reminded me about the gift of learning from and alongside others.
The first was the Year 9 camp. Over 7 nights I had the privilege of journeying alongside students, staff and the Outward Bound team as we traversed a path within Kosciusko National Park on Walgalu and Ngarigo Country.
Being outside for an extended amount of time, sleeping on the ground, collecting water from streams and purifying it, being attuned to changing weather and gathering wood all reinforced a sense of connection and interdependence with the environment and with each other. I felt profoundly changed by the experience and from my observations the students were too.
The second experience took place in an opposite setting – inside the historic building of the All Saints Anglican Church in Ainslie. On Sunday morning Reverend Erin Tuineau (former Chaplain and Religious and Values Education teacher at Radford) preached on the Gospel reading set for the day from Luke 20: 27–38. This Bible passage explores deep theological, cultural and historical themes through an interaction between Jesus and Jewish religious leaders. These themes are unpacked in a piece of commentary that can be accessed here.
In her sermon, Reverend Erin highlighted Jesus’ acceptance of the questions that were asked of him. Jesus’ Jewish upbringing was one where questions, discussion and debate were central to growth in knowledge and understanding. She encouraged us to see questions as part of the life of faith. We should not be afraid to ask questions of God. She encouraged us to trust in God’s faithful accompaniment throughout our lives even when we have questions.
A life of faith is complicated as we wrestle with God and with our questions. We do not, however journey alone. God is with us, and so are others.
This prayer by Annie Heppenstall, from The Healer’s Tree reminds me of the nature of God’s call in our lives:
Limitless God,
give me confidence to
look for you everywhere,
delight to find you in
unexpected places,
be willing to hear your praises sung
in many tongues
and recognise your healing, Love and Truth
beneath a multiplicity of names and none.
Work me open
like the rusted old bolt on a door;
prise me and ease me ajar.
Let fresh air in
to disturb the dust;
sweep me clean and restore
the old temple inside,
dedicated to your vibrant living Spirit
which permeates all.
Amen