From Steve Hammond, Principal

Chapel Reflection

September 27, 2006

Changing from the Inside Out

People are always trying to form groups that include some and exclude others. Social, religious, athletic, artistic, academic, political, business...It is our human nature to do this. When we belong to a group, we tend to get our belonging needs met. We meet people with common interests and it is fun to be with them. This is genetic. It goes way back to the times when humans traveled in tribes and bands and were up against a dangerous environment. Picture yourself way back in time (maybe the cavemen days). You were in the group, you had the protection of others in the group. You were safe against your enemies and the forces nature. You had all the others help when you needed it. But, think of this: if you weren't in the group, you were going to have a tough time. Forming groups is something humans do by nature. But Jesus' said in today's Gospel that oftentimes we carry that instinct much too far.

In today's Gospel, The disciples said, "They don't belong to our group. We tried to prevent them for working in your name. We tried to force them. To use our power to make them stop. They don't belong."

Jesus, as a leader, was telling his followers (disciples) to let others into our group. He told them, "Hey, look, these people aren't doing anything wrong or harmful to us; they are not our enemy. If they are not against us, then they are for us. Of course, they can come into our group." Jesus was about including. And so are we at Saint Patrick Catholic School. All are welcomed.

Jesus very seldom tried to force His will on people. He was about respecting people's ability to choose. If you study the Gospel, Jesus pretty much just gave information to people, and invited them to accept it. But he always respected their choice. He knew that if people found His message compelling, then they would choose to follow Him. And many did. He knew if people chose to follow him on their own, then they would experience a change in how they acted, in how they felt and how they viewed the world. Jesus was about changing people from the inside out.

He always invited people into His group. As the Son of God, living and reigning now and forever, he still is inviting you to come into his group, into his friendship, into His love.

Jesus had a vision that people could choose to live in peace with each other, to choose to be gentle with each other, to choose to be kind and compassionate with each other, to choose to be respectful of each other. He could see this vision very clearly. That is why we call Jesus the Prince of Peace. This vision drove Jesus' preaching and teaching. You see in all He said and did.

You too can accept Jesus' vision in what you choose to do and say. You might tell me, "I can't bring about peace. I'm just a kid. What can I do?" But I tell you, you can do a lot in your own classrooms and in your own homes. A little can be a lot.

It begins with a vision; with a picture that is in your mind. Close your eyes. Let's envision your classroom, running so smoothly and well. Everyone is busy doing a task that your teacher has assigned. It is an interesting lesson. It might be active as in an art class, a morning meeting, or at your desk, or perhaps in centers, but everyone is actively engaged in learning. Get that vision. Now where are you in the vision? What are you doing personally? How do you feel? Rest in that vision.

Let's get a vision of settling disputes when they arise. Conflicts happen just like in the Gospel today when the disciples were attempting to force these people to stop working in Jesus' name. Here's a way to solve problem that helps create a "win-win" situation for everyone. It involves asking four questions:

Now we know that when a conflict arises, you can't control anyone's behavior but your own. So when YOU feel like something isn't going right whether it is big or small, then ask "What can I do?" and follow these questions. They will help you solve the problem. The solution might not be perfect, but few things are in this world, but it will almost always make it better.

I use this all the time...many times during the day. I must say that it has changed the way I think, act, and feel. It lets me know what I can do and what I can't. It often says all I can do is to give information. It respects people in acknowledging that they have a choice. It is a way to emulate Jesus and how He respected others.

Try to use these questions when you feel a little out of control or uneasy. Your teacher will help you through the process if you need help. Master this and I can assure you, it will help you to reach your highest destiny.

So, in wrapping up: