22nd July, 2014 Reflection Lord, In a glance, a sound, a symbol, a touch, in the fleeting moment filled with infinite grace, in the parables as we hear them again, and remember that, in these small things, we find echoes of your Kingdom. Jesus put before them a parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Mt 13:31-32) Lord Jesus, help us to remember the smallest amongst us. Well nurtured they can achieve the greatest wonders. Like the birds that build nests in the branches of the tree, help us build places imbued with love, that enable life and growth. Amen
MH17 Tragedy We are all well aware of the tragedy that occurred last week with Malaysian airlines flight MH17. A plane loaded with people heading to Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne was shot down in circumstances that are hard to come to terms with. It’s quite normal for families to be flying back from Europe at this time of year. Families, teachers and other travellers are taking the long flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur and then on to Melbourne. Some were also heading to the AIDS conference in Melbourne; others back to school or work.
What we share with the victims of MH17 is our common humanity. Each person who died and each person who grieves for them is a person, each with their own hopes, loved and loved by others, each with commitments and plans, which will now be unfilled. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and friends and, in particular the students, staff and parents of Bacchus Marsh Grammar. Mark Sheehan Principal
An Eynesbury family who were known to many in our community were among the people lost in this tragedy. Johannes (Hans) van den Hende, his wife, Shaliza Dewa and their three children Piers, Marnix and Margaux lost their lives. The children attended Bacchus Marsh Grammar and the family was immersed into the community in sporting clubs and in many other ways. With all of the media coverage, our focus can be drawn in so many directions. Let’s keep the people who died on MH17, their relatives, friends, school mates and their local community in our thoughts and prayers. We can be overcome by such an evil act and be consumed by anger and outrage .
Parents & Friends Meeting There will be a Parents & Friends meeting Wednesday, 30th July at 7.00pm.