CRC St Albans Student Leaders Reflect on our school theme at the MacKillop Assembly

Our school theme for this year is `Hearts Open to the World ’. The inspiration for this theme comes from Pope Francis’ Encyclical Fratelli Tutti.  At its core, the encyclical reminds us that opening our hearts allows us to acknowledge, appreciate and love each person, regardless of physical proximity, regardless of where he or she was born or lives. The story of the Good Samaritan personifies what it means to love people beyond our local neighbourhood and encourages to love people who are in need. The student leaders shared the Good Samaritan parable at the Mackillop Assembly and they concluded their reflection with this prayer that challenges us to live as the Good Samaritan lived. 

Lord Jesus,

You teach us in your parable that there are two kinds of people:

Those who bend down to help and those who look the other way.

Which kind of people will we be?

We say, "Yes, Lord, I will love my neighbor?

Those in poverty.... are they my neighbor?

Victims of war across the world...are they my neighbors?

To love one who faces racism... is he my neighbor?

Those disabled or elderly... are they my neighbors?

You remind us: Yes, all of us are neighbors.

Show us how to love, Lord.

May we emerge from our comfortable isolation.

May we build a world of compassion and dignity.

Lord Jesus, who was neighbor to all,

Help us to persevere in love.

Help us to restore dignity to the suffering.

Help us to build a society based not on exclusion, but on community.

Amen