Catholic Education Tasmania -North: Take a Seat, Make a Friend

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Gospel, John 20:19-23

In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, 'Peace be with you,' and, after saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord, and he said to them again, 'Peace be with you. 'As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.'

PLEASE WATCH 4 MINUTES

There are so many moments where I think we are like the Apostles at Pentecost, hiding in the attic, away from the crowd, unwilling to go out and face the reality, whatever that reality is.

We can operate out of fear so much more easily than hope. It is easier to convince yourself to not try, to not make the effort, to be out of your comfort zone and simply make excuses as to why it is ok to simply opt out.

In our school communities in all of our roles, relationships are critical.

We so often do not 'sit in the ball pit' open to hearing what the other person has to say, starting with no preconceived ideas, opinions or beliefs.

I find it ironic that I can be so much better at this in my professional role than I am in my personal life. It is so easy to be quick to judge, quick to give an opinion and quick to dismiss someone or something they say.

I know it sounds simple and I know that some reading this will dismiss what I am about to write. I really do believe if we spent more time listening for understanding, spent time in the metaphorical 'ball pit' not just listening but being interested in knowing the person; our school communities would be enhanced dramatically by this one individual gesture done collectively.

We would by this one gesture live out what we say at Mass each week:

"Peace Be With You!"