For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for all./Así como el Hijo del hombre, que no ha venido a que lo sirvan, sino a servir y a dar su vida por la redención de todos. - Mark 10:25
Two weeks ago we had the holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our school Mass that week, not surprisingly, focused on King and his life-long work for peace and equality. During the homily Fr. Hau, who was our visiting celebrant, focused in on peace asking the kids what peace looks like. He got many great answers but I especially liked what Jeremiah in 6th grade said, “We shouldn’t exclude people.”
The same day of our school Mass was also the birthday of Edgar Allan Poe. Throughout the day I kept coming across the story of how Poe would hangout with the Jesuits at Fordham University close to his home. He would join them to play cards because, as he said, “They are highly cultivated gentlemen and scholars,...and they never said a word about religion.” Poe’s Jesuits neighbors didn’t speak religion, they simply were Christ for him, and in being inclusive Poe spoke highly of this time spent with them and was changed, even if he never converted.
Being inclusive is how we can be a sign of Christ for others. We see many examples of this all around us but I would like to focus on how Pope Francis models Christ through example. Last October during Pope Francis’ general audience a young boy walked onto the stage and joined the Pope. Instead of asking for him to be removed Francis shook his hand and let young Paolo sit next to him. A few minutes later not only was there a happy 10 year old bouncing back to his mother sporting a newly acquired white zucchetto, but an auditorium of people seeing someone being Christ to others. Pope Francis is a good role model for us all.
Showcasing SHA talent: These soft clouds drawn by Mariana in 6th grade are so peaceful looking.
God bless,
Mrs. Alhadef
Campus Minister
4th Grade Aide
Jr. High ELA Aide