Dear Friends and Families,
Who, precisely, is Jesus? Is he just a good man? A prophet? A wise teacher?
In Mark’s gospel, Jesus precisely asks the question, ‘Who do people say I am?’ We then read as follows: ‘The disciples replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets”’ [Mark 8:28].
Three Mondays ago, we were very fortunate to have all Year 9 students attend their world religions excursion, which completed their study of the major world religions in RAVE lessons.
In one day, they visited four non-Christian places of worship: a Hindu Murugan temple, a Cyprian-Turkish mosque, a Sikh Gurdwara and a Tibetan Buddhist temple – quite an overwhelming experience for them!
It was a great privilege to be able to see inside each of the faith centres, watch some of the rituals in practise, hear worship songs and prayers, and receive an introduction to each of the religions.
At the end of the discussion time, there was always time for questions and answers, which was a wonderful opportunity for the students to ask about issues of faith that arose for them in class times. As a general practise, I tried to always ask the final question, which concerned how the respective world religion viewed the person of Jesus Christ. In other words, who do they say is this man?
It is a question which we all continue to ask this day, especially when the celebrations of Christmas, Good Friday and Easter roll around annually.
As an Anglican school, our formal motto is Wisdom Through Christ, for Christians believe that God’s ultimate expression of personhood is found in the teacher from Galilee. That is the meaning of the name Immanuel: God with us.
I therefore ask you: who do you say Jesus is?
If you would like to speak further, or have questions about the Christian life, then do please contact me at: waterhousep@humegrammar.vic.edu.au
I also encourage you to pray the collect prayer for the week below.
If you would like to explore the certainty of Christ further, the two local Anglican churches listed below lead regular Sunday services – currently online, but soon back at the listed residential addresses.
St Peter’s, Craigieburn (meeting normally at 10.30am on Sundays in the Chapel at Hume Anglican Grammar – 100 Mt Ridley Road, Mickleham)
Locum: Father Charles Potter
Mobile: 0468 331 549 / 03 9308 2452
Email: humeparish@gmail.com
http://www.humeparish.melbourneanglican.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/humeparishcraigieburn/
Redemption Anglican Church (meeting normally at 4.00pm on Sundays at the Hume Tennis & Community Centre - 225 Marathon Blvd, Craigieburn)
Pastor: Rev. Akhil Gardner
Mobile: 0400 021 381
Email: akhilgardner@gmail.com
https://www.rccraigieburn.com.au/online
https://www.facebook.com/rccraigieburn/
Prayer for the week
Almighty and everliving God,
increase in us your gift of faith,
so that, forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to that which is before us,
we may run the way of your commandments
and win the crown of everlasting joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Song (Turn your eyes upon Jesus)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X85txs60yY
