Saint Ignatius College Geelong
As we return to a new semester refreshed and energized we are challenged to enter into another period of learning, discernment and growth. New beginnings are a very important part of life. When we begin something anew we have the chance to leave some of what was less helpful in our past, be transformed and bring new things to life in our lives. This fact is true of individuals, communities and society as a whole.
As individuals each of us has the opportunity to enter into the next six months with a revised vision for what we hope to achieve and who we would like ourselves to be. As a community we consider what might be achieved collectively between now and the end of the year and the plans that might be implemented and may bear fruit next year. As a society we enter into a new financial year and at all levels pause to consider what we might be able to achieve with the gifts provided by our resources and collective ‘hard work’.
Reflection and discernment is greatly needed in our Country at this time. This week our Government rejected recommendations by the Australian Human Rights Commission to relax a number of draconian and retrospective laws that affect some 30,000 asylum seekers. Many of the laws in place affect the ability for these vulnerable people to seek employment and contribute to the economy, to be able to live above the poverty line, to access elementary health services and have a hopefully vision of the future.
As we enter into a new financial year our Government has continued to slash the funds offered to support people seeking asylum. There has been a 60% reduction in the budget in this area over the last two years, which in the coming year will equate to approx. $30,724 per person being offered to support employment services, ‘welfare’ payments etc.
Conversely border protection and offshore detention blew out to $1.158billion in 2018-19. Meaning that the cost of offshore detention was $1.266millon per person. The enormous discrepancy in the cost of detaining asylum seekers and refugees offshore and the limited funding offered to support those in our communities is difficult to resolve.
These facts are part of an extremely difficult and emotive issue. However, the cost to our collective humanity and the wellbeing of vulnerable human beings cannot be summarily dismissed. The psychological stress upon those affected is inordinate. Without hope people become despondent and lost. This eventuality leads to significant mental health problems and suicide (24 cases since 2010). As a community we are a people of hope. Our vision is centered on the teachings of Jesus, his resurrection and the promise of eternal life. Let us consider how we can align our identity and views with this difficult and complex issue.
Last Sunday the Gospel reading was the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). A story that is well known and often used as an ethical yardstick. A few points that are less well known is the relationship between Jews and Samaritans at the time. The tension between the two communities was palpable and visceral. A comparison in Australia today would be the manner in which ‘right-wing’ groups view Muslims. Many of the asylum seekers and refugees affected by the budgetary decisions are Muslims. They are also have fled from cultures that are significantly different to our own.
As the narrative is so engaging we often remember the story rather than the key point in which Jesus asks the Lawyer, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” This question and response offers us the key to unlock the crux of any significant issue – mercy.
At this time, we as individuals, communities and as a nation would do well to reflect upon this reading in the context of refugees and asylum seekers. How may we pause for a moment and view the issue through the eyes of Jesus? How might we judge with his heart those who have sought protection in a manner that is against the laws of our Country? Are we able to see the person or are we only able to see an issue, legislation or labels? What viewpoint honours our faith community and our personal relationship with Jesus? Reflection of these points guided by the ‘head, heart, hands’ model many be of profit as you consider this demanding matter.
Head - Be informed
Heart – Pray
Hands – Action
As we settle into a new semester and our Country into a new financial year I encourage you to take a moment to consider the future of our society, our College community and yourself. Our journey of discipleship continues as we look toward the end of another year and our ability to discern the will of God and the change that we can bring to the world is unlimited.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator
Feature
Events
Article by Mr Brendan Nicholls
As we return to a new semester refreshed and energized we are challenged to enter into another period of learning, discernment and growth. New beginnings are a very important part of life. When we begin something anew we have the chance to leave some of what was less helpful in our past, be transformed and bring new things to life in our lives. This fact is true of individuals, communities and society as a whole.
As individuals each of us has the opportunity to enter into the next six months with a revised vision for what we hope to achieve and who we would like ourselves to be. As a community we consider what might be achieved collectively between now and the end of the year and the plans that might be implemented and may bear fruit next year. As a society we enter into a new financial year and at all levels pause to consider what we might be able to achieve with the gifts provided by our resources and collective ‘hard work’.
Reflection and discernment is greatly needed in our Country at this time. This week our Government rejected recommendations by the Australian Human Rights Commission to relax a number of draconian and retrospective laws that affect some 30,000 asylum seekers. Many of the laws in place affect the ability for these vulnerable people to seek employment and contribute to the economy, to be able to live above the poverty line, to access elementary health services and have a hopefully vision of the future.
As we enter into a new financial year our Government has continued to slash the funds offered to support people seeking asylum. There has been a 60% reduction in the budget in this area over the last two years, which in the coming year will equate to approx. $30,724 per person being offered to support employment services, ‘welfare’ payments etc.
Conversely border protection and offshore detention blew out to $1.158billion in 2018-19. Meaning that the cost of offshore detention was $1.266millon per person. The enormous discrepancy in the cost of detaining asylum seekers and refugees offshore and the limited funding offered to support those in our communities is difficult to resolve.
These facts are part of an extremely difficult and emotive issue. However, the cost to our collective humanity and the wellbeing of vulnerable human beings cannot be summarily dismissed. The psychological stress upon those affected is inordinate. Without hope people become despondent and lost. This eventuality leads to significant mental health problems and suicide (24 cases since 2010). As a community we are a people of hope. Our vision is centered on the teachings of Jesus, his resurrection and the promise of eternal life. Let us consider how we can align our identity and views with this difficult and complex issue.
Last Sunday the Gospel reading was the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). A story that is well known and often used as an ethical yardstick. A few points that are less well known is the relationship between Jews and Samaritans at the time. The tension between the two communities was palpable and visceral. A comparison in Australia today would be the manner in which ‘right-wing’ groups view Muslims. Many of the asylum seekers and refugees affected by the budgetary decisions are Muslims. They are also have fled from cultures that are significantly different to our own.
As the narrative is so engaging we often remember the story rather than the key point in which Jesus asks the Lawyer, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” This question and response offers us the key to unlock the crux of any significant issue – mercy.
At this time, we as individuals, communities and as a nation would do well to reflect upon this reading in the context of refugees and asylum seekers. How may we pause for a moment and view the issue through the eyes of Jesus? How might we judge with his heart those who have sought protection in a manner that is against the laws of our Country? Are we able to see the person or are we only able to see an issue, legislation or labels? What viewpoint honours our faith community and our personal relationship with Jesus? Reflection of these points guided by the ‘head, heart, hands’ model many be of profit as you consider this demanding matter.
Head - Be informed
Heart – Pray
Hands – Action
As we settle into a new semester and our Country into a new financial year I encourage you to take a moment to consider the future of our society, our College community and yourself. Our journey of discipleship continues as we look toward the end of another year and our ability to discern the will of God and the change that we can bring to the world is unlimited.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator