Faith Matters – Wear it Purple

Faith Matters – Wear it Purple

This week at the College we celebrate ‘Wear it Purple Day’ as a community. The purpose of the celebration is to continue to develop a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our community. This year’s theme is, ‘still me, still human.’ This thoughtful provocation is worthy of some contemplation I think.

Stereotypes are common in society. Sadly though, even though there are elements of truth in stereotypes they are inherently dangerous and divisive. Stereotypes and labels remove the unique qualities of an individual and replace them with a number of impersonal inflated characteristics that the individual is then expected to conform to.

The question arises as to how we might bring about change? How can we remove universal expectations that have such a historic and cultural basis? Every group I teach has the answer and it’s beautiful and simple, “value the person for who they are and what they can do.” This is the core message in the Gospel. This is the foundation for Creation and our birth. We have been created by love, for love and are loved.

God loves every person because they are unique. Each person offers a glimpse of his perfection and love for and to all things. We are great because we are different. We are able to bring about the Kingdom in the moments where we seek and affirm the unique qualities of others. Difference makes us collectively perfect.

When we reject others, label others or devalue others we dishonour God and our neighbour. When we take the wide path and stereotype we do not follow the path set for us. When we weaponize an understanding of a group we are being fooled and are guided by the bad spirit. When we don’t take the time to acknowledge and understand the other we can never hope to reach a point of consolation.

Joy is found only in love. Love only occurs through understanding, acceptance and affirmation. When we love others we lift them up. We strip away the things that hide or distort their beauty and celebrate with them in their divinity. When we encounter the loving heart of another person we are able to reconcile ourselves with the Father. Jesus was asked a simple question, “Who is my neighbour?” His response was a question with a hidden answer, “who acted as a neighbour?”

It is in our actions that we respond to God. Our neighbour is every person. Whether we act as a neighbour to others is where we love like God or allow ourselves to live in the world and avoid the greatest of all challenges.

I pray that you can stop at the end of this day and in reflecting know that you loved like God and acted like a neighbour to all the people you encountered. That is what Jesus did. That is our great mission. Avoid stereotypes and seek the unique beauty found in each person.

Wear it Purple this Friday – Still me, still human.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls

Liturgy Coordinator