Where peace is found

By Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain

In Chapels across the school during this cycle, we have enjoyed being able to resume being back face-to-face, albeit across multiple venues. We have explored the notion of peace being created through connections being made across communities. Jesus shared stories that encouraged listening and learning. This empowers us to share our own stories and also to listen to and learn from the stories of others, particularly the dispossessed, disadvantaged and those for whom we might serve.

An episode of the ABC program Compass featured the northern NSW town of Lismore, where there is great diversity within the community, but each group has come together for the common good of the district which has borne the brunt of natural disasters experienced in Australia over the past two years. The interfaith connections that have been established are instrumental in the work being undertaken to develop environmental sustainability in the region. This is the result of the preparedness of each group to listen to the stories of the others, leading to an understanding that they share a commonality. You can watch the Compass episode here.

In these times of heightened tension, we can also find peace in placing our trust in God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4.7). Professor Carla Works explains this peace is not simply a feeling of being calm or being free from feeling anxious, and this peace is better than understanding. Humans are unable to comprehend this peace because it comes from God. It is a peace that has power over and surpasses reasoning. Through God’s spirit, peace brings restoration and goodness, and the presence of God’s peace can create hope and joy even in the midst of difficult and challenging times.

I have found each time restrictions have eased, resulting in more year groups returning to campus, that there is a greater sense of peace. I can only suggest that this is due to a feeling of normalcy for staff and students alike and contradicts the notion that there could be fear in the school with the perceived risk of coming back. Perhaps it is due to the connections we have with each other that peace exists in such times.

May you feel God’s peace in the week ahead,

Chaplain Andy