I’m unashamedly a Pope Francis ‘groupie’! He cops plenty of criticism, both within the Church and outside because he often talks about topics that some people think are outside the Church’s expertise. Despite this, Francis keeps talking about things like Climate Change, Immigration, the War in Ukraine, the growing disparity between rich and poor and the extraordinary amount of money spent on weapons – amongst many other things. Critics exhort Francis to just keep his attention on ‘religion’ and leave social issues to those who know better. If Jesus had accepted advice like that, he probably wouldn’t have got crucified. In the Gospel we heard at Mass yesterday, Jesus told the story of the Mustard Seed. In trying to tell his listeners what the Kingdom of God is like, Jesus likened the Kingdom to a Mustard Tree which would shelter all. Never having seen a Mustard Tree, I thought for a long time that it must be a tree big, tall and strong like a big Eucalyptus tree or something like that. A Mustard Tree is more like a bush than a tree. Anything or anyone using a Mustard Tree for shelter, won’t get much protection.

It won’t provide much protection from predators and it is very much a part of the world at ground level. Jesus may have been reminding those of us wanting to be a part of the Kingdom, that we would have to be alert and aware and engaged with the world around us – not aloof. I think that is what Francis is calling the Church to do. The Church and Christians won’t be authentic witnesses if we are locked behind big doors in remote buildings. I think Jesus will expect us to get into the rough and tumble of life and engage with the world on all sorts of issues. I wonder what political party Jesus would vote for? I wonder if he’d vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on the Voice Referendum? I wonder what his stance would be on how tax is gathered and spent? Those issues are important in creating the Kingdom of God. Francis gets involved in issues like those and is prepared to wear the criticism for doing so. Living the Gospel is a dangerous business.

This is Catholic Education Week. That is worth celebrating! Bundaberg has four local Catholic schools and the staff in each of those schools work hard, every day, to try and make a positive difference for young people. Each year schools are asked to nominate a member of the community who epitomises ‘the Spirit of Catholic Education’. This year the Shalom nomination is Mrs Teresa Cameron. Teresa has worked in the office at Shalom for 16 years. Most of that time, she has been directly involved with students and parents. Her patience, generosity, good spirit, and willingness to assist, on almost anything, are legendary. Teresa is a living example of ‘service leadership’.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com