Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy community
Spring has sprung and you can certainly see the beginnings of the regrowth around the College as grey skies dissipate and student movement in playing areas seems to be increasing. It is indeed heart-warming, as it is thrilling to hear the news of our students participating in EISM finals and other sporting competitions.
Last week, we held a full College Assembly planned and led by the Student Leadership Team for the first time in over two years. It was a positive celebration of many activities and our Prefects and SRC members are to be congratulated.
At the College Assembly I was asked to address the student body to further develop the concept of our 2022 College theme and today I include an extract from that Principal’s address:
- why do we define hospitality in terms of service in hotels and bars, in cafes and restaurants?
- is this where we really find that ‘giving’ without expecting to gain something in return?
- is that a real definition of hospitality?
- hospitable: to be friendly or welcoming to visitors or guests.
I wonder if we should be talking more about Martha and Mary in a village called Bethany. (Luke 10: 38-42)
In the course of their journey he came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha, who was distracted with all the serving, came to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.' But the Lord answered, 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part, and it is not to be taken from her.'
Now I always thought that Martha was treated poorly in this story as her hospitality is important, with food and drink and service. This is the hospitality we talk about every day. Indeed, there is a huge industry built upon it and we who reside near the Yarra Valley certainly understand that, but in reality, it is Mary who displays the greater hospitality. Mary opens up a place for Jesus to explore his teachings and she opens her heart to him. She is willing to meet Jesus at a personal level.
Is that not real hospitality? Perhaps we need to redefine many of the words that we use.
When I was a very young man I was given a quote by a man named Theodore Rozack, which I kept for reference for many years. These were the days before computers and so it was a card from a friend which I have long since lost, but such a message was a real gift.
The quote read:
“You and I, we meet as strangers, each carrying a mystery within us. I cannot say who you are. I may never know you completely. But I trust that you are a person in your own right, possessed of a beauty and value that are the Earth’s richest treasures. So, I make this promise to you: I will impose no identities upon you, but will invite you to become yourself without shame or fear. I will hold open a space for you in the world and allow your right to fill it with an authentic vocation and purpose. For as long as your search takes, you have my loyalty."
To me the ideas contained here are what Jesus would want us to learn about hospitality.
How can we show such hospitality at MLMC?
Simply, in our community we are tolerant and open. There is no place for harassment or victimisation for any reason, let alone behaviours that cause distress based on:
- age
- gender
- race
- religious belief
- political belief
- career status
- sexual orientation.
As a community we welcome each and every person respecting them as made in the image and likeness of God. We are open to each other and invite them to grow to be their authentic selves without fear.
This is real hospitality and I hope our community is a welcoming one to all, where such issues will never preside. Talk and language in our yards and classrooms should never reflect a lack of hospitality. Talk and language in our community should never hurt by labelling them or calling them names or mimicking actions that label.
We claim to be a hospitable community and we must act like one.
Community Forum Group
As mentioned in the last newsletter, the next meeting of the CFG is Thursday 8 September which I apologise is the same night as the Performing Arts Showcase. The agenda for the meeting includes:
- the College-based Religious Education Program at Years 11 and 12
- the introduction of CSYMA modules at Year 7 and 8
- changes to Academic Awards in 2023 (VET and VCE VM)
- changes to College free dress guidelines.
If these agenda items are of interest to you and you would like to attend, or if you would like anything else to be discussed at the Group meeting, please email me at principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au
In the spirit of Catherine
God bless
Philip A Morison
