Kia ora e te whanau
“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” -Philippians 4:13
As a community we need to be increasingly dependent on our shared faith, vision and love for each other to manage our way through life. Held last weekend, the Bishop’s Shield was a glorious display of talent in our Catholic Schools community and was such a gift to see. Our St Peter’s team came first overall, and we could not be more proud of their efforts, their coaches’ efforts and their family support. To add to this, our wonderfully hospitable staff and students gave up their weekend in droves, to help us host the four schools at this prestige event. We are grateful for their pride in our College, their unfailing generosity of spirit in welcoming the stranger and their tireless efforts to ensure that this was a memorable weekend for all. I would like to extend particular thanks to our organiser, Mr Brendan Terry and to all our fabulous coaches:
- Junior drama- Victoria Kelly and Liza Wilson
- Senior drama- Juliet Sorrel
- Impromptu speech- Brendan Terry
- Prepared speech- John Ryan
- Junior debate- Mandy Pearce
- Senior debate- Laura Thomas
- Junior scripture- Bridget Ryan
- Senior scripture- Bridget Ryan
Some of us think we can do everything by ourselves. We are very confident and rarely think that we need to rely on God’s grace. Then, there are those of us who tend to get overwhelmed by life and lose confidence when faced with challenges. We tend to let the task before us defeat us, believing that we can’t do anything. Finally, there are those who tend to turn to God on a “pick-and-choose” basis. Contrast all three of these personality types with St. Paul’s confident but humble statement: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). If he were alive today, Paul would probably tell those of us to be more humble and to reassure us of our ability to overcome defeat through the power of God.
What does it mean to do all things through Christ? It begins with our relationship with Jesus. It begins as we talk to him and listen for his voice. That’s how we receive his grace and peace. Then it develops in our daily lives as we watch the fruit of that grace move us to a deeper faith and a greater confidence in Christ. Over time, we begin to follow Paul’s example of rejoicing in the Lord and giving thanks to him for all he has done and all he wants to do in us (Philippians 4:4-6). So, whether you tend to be confident or unsure of yourself, it’s time to let the Holy Spirit transform you. It’s time to take steps, both in prayer and in your daily life, that will help you become absolutely convinced that you can do anything in Christ.
Charity Fulfils the Law