Faith Matters – Providence

It is over! The daily obligation to attend school has ended for our Year 12 students. For the last thirteen years the routine of school has guided everything about their day. They have completed their farewells and celebrations and now prepare for their exams with support and encouragement but no requirement to attend each day. This is a significant moment for all; students, staff, families are all impacted by this change. Everything that was certain and planned is now a choice and not all things are guaranteed. Change is exciting but can also be unnerving.

A key aspect of our formal farewells is our Valete mass. The mass is significant as it announces who we are as a community and affirms our trust in God. The readings of the mass remind us of the hope we have and the promise that has been made to us. The first reading is from Exodus (Ex 16:6-18) where God provides for the Israelites in the desert. Each have their fill no matter how much or how little they gather. All are satisfied.
This is a wonderful illustration of our God. No matter the depth of faith or how consistent we are in relationship with God we are nourished and are needs provided for.

The Gospel reading is from Luke (Lk 12:22-29) and speaks in a similar way of God’s providence. In the reading Jesus teaches us of how much God cares for even the smallest things, that we have nothing to be concerned with and that we are much more important to God than even the smallest things that he loves beyond our comprehension. This is the mystery of God. How can we be so loved and how can we respond adequately?

For our Year 12 students the readings lead to some timely contemplation. Just as everything that is normal changes, how do you approach such a complete change with confidence and a vision of how to proceed? I suggest the following contemplative exercise might be helpful in discerning a response. Whether you are a student, parent or staff member we are all entering something new that may be unnerving.

Contemplative Exercise:

• Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.

• Make yourself comfortable.

• Remove distractions and if you are able to close your eyes.

• Visualise life at this moment. What offers you joy? What concerns you? What fears do you have? What areas need attention?

• Consider the near future. Over the coming weeks and months.

  • What changes concern you and why is this so?

  • What possibilities may occur? What outcomes cause you to be anxious?

  • What changes would you like to see achieved?

• Rest in these thoughts, live them out. Who is there? What are they doing or saying? What is it like to be in that moment?

• Consider the readings from the mass.

  • When do you feel the love of God and how can you experience this more frequently?

  • What needs do you have that you think may not be fulfilled?

  • What worries do you have about the future?

  • What do you need to feel filled?

  • Who in your life makes you feel loved and known and how can you develop a stronger relationship with these people?

• You will know when you have comfortably finished this exercise.

• When you have finished, rest for a moment and give thanks for the insights the Spirit has guided you to.

• Move into the rest of the day with the plan that has been revealed and a sense of wonder and awe to our God who loves us more than we can understand.

God will always provide. Even when things are difficult or we may be concerned about what is ahead he will provide. You can be sure of that. It is a promise. It is certain. You are loved.

Keep the faith,

Brendan Nicholls | Liturgy Coordinator