REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSA

The feast of the Ascension is really a kind of liminal moment in the Easter season. It is a time between times, a moment when we have left one place in our journey but have not yet arrived at a second. The glory of the Risen Christ has already been revealed in us, but not yet totally. The feast itself celebrates the exaltation of Jesus. Today we stand awestruck, watching Jesus ascend into the clouds of heaven, there to be enthroned at the right hand of God. Today we are overwhelmed by the reality of the divinity of the one whom we have known in his humanity. Like the conquering creator-god, he has overcome his enemy (death) and now reigns over his new creation (the church).

Christ who ascended into heaven in his body carries on what he began on earth through his new body, the church. He teaches through its apostles and evangelists. He ministers through its prophets and pastors. In and through the church, Jesus continues to heal and to comfort; to forgive and to include. We have not been left alone; we have his power, the same power with which he performed marvels when he walked the earth. We have not been left alone; we have each other. Together we make up the new body of Christ. Together we await the fullness of this body. It is this new body that stands in between the times, secure in what we have, confident of what we will be given.

Next week our Marist Characteristic is Family Spirit

Family Spirit expresses itself in the simplicity of behaviour, most especially in our way of relating to God and to others. We strive to be persons of integrity - truthful, open-hearted and transparent in our relationships. 

Saint Marcellin was regarded as a first-class educator who related well to the young. His friendly personality and relational style allowed many children he taught to prosper in their learning because of the ease of the relationship they shared with him. Good teaching and learning demand the same relationships today. 

He lived with the young Brothers at LaValla with great simplicity and unity too. Their day was spent in learning how to write, read and teach, and in manual work that sustained them economically

• In our College family we want - Acceptance and belonging - we  walk in truth, forgive and reconcile with each other. 
• We are genuine and considerate.  We undertake to build community; We offer a warmth of welcome, acceptance and belonging
• We share life’s successes and failures 
• We set clear standards of honesty, mutual respect and tolerance

Therefore we look out for other family members and this year we are looking out for those in Bouganville - its a small school and community north of Australia.

• In our College family we want - Acceptance and belonging - we  walk in truth, forgive and reconcile with each other. 
• We are genuine and considerate.  We undertake to build community; We offer a warmth of welcome, acceptance and belonging
• We share life’s successes and failures 
• We set clear standards of honesty, mutual respect and tolerance

Therefore we look out for other family members and this year we are looking out for those in Bouganville - its a small school and community north of Australia.