St Columba’s Catholic Boys’ School
Week Ending
Friday 11 March 2016
Issue CXLVII
11 pages
Weekly News
Fred’s Prayer
for the Week
Message
from the
Head Teacher
“The only source
of knowledge is
experience.”
Albert Einstein
It is very important to
me that you are aware
of all of the experiences
of our students and it’s
good to read in this
week the article by Mrs
McCann about Year 8. In
future editions we will
have contributions for
the other Heads of Year
starting with Year 11.
O God, who taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may
be always truly wise and ever rejoice in his colsolation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless, Fred (Chaplain)
If Albert is to be believed
we certainly provide a
huge breadth of experience
for our students. Last
week we were superbly
represented
at
the
St Catherine’s concert to
raise money for refugees If you have a son in Year
by a group of our very 11 do you know how
talented musicians. Last their revision is going?
week Year 7 students had
Mr N Fisher
the wonderful experience
of watching Twelfth Night
at the Globe Theatre.
Last weekend a group of
Year 7 students attended
a residential football
weekend in Wiltshire another great experience!
This week Year 8 students
went to Kidzania where
they were able to
experience a wide variety
of careers. Earlier in the
week our Year 9 basketball
team won against Trinity
to
become
Bexley
Basketball Champions!
01322 553236
R
MA
RY
DIAATE
D
YEAR 7
EVENING
PARENTS’ 15 March
Tuesday
Year 9 Bexley Basketball Champions!
The Year 9 Basketball Team capped a magnificent
unbeaten league campaign with a dominant 55-29
Bexley Final victory against Trinity School on Monday.
The team have been dominant throughout the season
with six impressive wins against St Paul’s Academy,
Erith School and Trinity along the way.
All the squad have played their part but special
mention must go to William Ndbueze and Neror
Akpoigbe who have been outstanding in every match.
Visit our websitRe
just scan our Q
code here!
[email protected]
Mr R Donnelly
PE Department
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
@stcolumbascbs
1
Sing It Louder! (an Email from St Catherine’s)
On Friday 26 February, St Catherine’s held ‘Sing It Louder’
a concert raising money for refugee children to which
invited various local schools to come and perform.
Five boys from St Columba’s came along and I
just wanted to say how fantastic they were. There
was an ensemble; two boys on guitar, one on
drums and one on piano who were just amazing.
There was also solos from Kenechi who played acoustic
guitar and Solomon who played piano. It was like being
at an actual gig and not just in our sports hall! The boys
were so calm and cool, just got on stage and did their
bit - the audience were ecstatic!
Jeddi on drums
The St Columba’s boys were outstanding and were so
polite and well behaved. I thought I’d take a minute
to email you so you can pass this message of thanks on.
They were perfect examples of the students you have at
St Columba’s.
Hopefully there will be more opportunities where we
can work with your students as the boys that came on
Friday were so talented!
Miss Fitzgerald
School External Partnerships Coordinator
St Catherine’s Catholic School
LUNCH MENU FOR WEEK COMMENCING
Kenechi performs an acoustic solo
Edward on electric guitar
Adetayo on bass
14 MARCH 2016
Breakfast: 7:45 - 8:15am
Hot Snacks, Filled Rolls & Baguettes served daily
MONDAY
Herby Mince Crumble with Mash
Roasted Vegetable Crumble
TUESDAY
Chicken Pie with Roast Potatoes
Cheese, Tomato and Basil Tarts
WEDNESDAY
Chilli Con Carne and Wedges
Potato and Red Onion Tortilla
THURSDAY
Moroccan Chilli Lamb with Cous Cous
Moroccan Quorn with Cous Cous
FRIDAY
Fish & Chips
01322 553236
[email protected]
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
@stcolumbascbs
2
Yr 8 in many ways. a non-negotiable in every
There is a noticeable air lesson. The message to all
of belief and confidence students across the school,
amongst many of them, especially in Yr 8, is that
especially those who are they come to school to
continuously setting high learn.
expectations and abiding
by our Behaviour for There is a clarity of
Learning policy (aavailable purpose within the Yr 8
team and we will continue
on the school website).
to challenge, develop
At St Columba’s, we and celebrate each week
believe
that
good during my assemblies.
Attendance
and We are proud of our Yr
Punctuality are critical. 8 ambassadors Daniel
For all students to reach Obura, Tyler Den Houter
their full educational and David Boateng who
achievement, a high level have been elected as part
of attendance is essential. of Bexley Youth council.
I am delighted with the
attitude of most Yr 8 As always, it is down to
students with punctuality the commitment of staff,
and attendance. We have the support of families
been consistently the and the wider community
highest weekly achievers and, of course, the hard
in both. Our attendance work of the students
that
we
to date stands at 97% themselves
are
able
to
look
ahead
which is a real strength
and something I am very with much optimism.
proud of. purpose and community. I expect the best and
Year 8
appreciate your support
Our students deserve with continuing to sustain
the very best quality of all aspects of school
teaching and learning in a expectations. Can I please
safe, happy, disciplined and ask that over the Easter
calm environment. At St period, we adhere to the
Columba’s, they certainly policy of hair styles and
have a great deal on their that no boy should have
hands. There is no doubt, no shaved lines in their
as the new Pastoral leader, I hair or eyebrows.
expect the best from all Yr
8 students both in terms The year 2015/16 has
a
magnificent
of work and of behaviour been
journey
for
the
Yr 8 cohort
in order to help them to
meet their aspirations to at St Columba’s. It has
be active and participating taken time to acclimatise
and familiarise with all
citizens of tomorrow.
the boys and, Yes! there are
We aim to achieve still many hours required,
excellence in all aspects of but I am delighted at
school life; this includes the progress to date. The
uniform, appearance and distinct nature and ethos
organisation. Uniform of our school fuels a sense An outstanding Attitude
is a sign of our common of achievement amongst to Learning (A2L) is also
01322 553236
[email protected]
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
Mrs McCann,
Head of Year 8
@stcolumbascbs
3
Kidzania
As we have received‘Centre
of Excellence’ status for
financial education from
pfeg, we were offered
the fantastic opportunity
to take ninety students
to Kidzania London at a
heavily discounted rate.
Located at the top of
the Westfield Shopping
Centre in Shepherds Bush,
Kidzania is an indoor city
with various business and
occupations that children
can interact with. After an
early start, we arrived at
10:00am, checked in at
Immigration control and
students were let loose in
the city.
Many opened a bank
account and swapped
their hard earned cash for
a debit card that they could
use in the city; others gave
theirs away to some of the
other students from other
schools to help them
along life’s journey within
the city just before we
left. Whatever occupations
they tried and whatever
they did with their money,
all had a very rewarding
day.
Adults were not allowed to
try any of the occupations
but were rewarded by
seeing students engage
wholeheartedly
with
Students
could
go the environment. To
anywhere and try any see them try activities
occupation they wished; that they would never
for most of which they have considered such as
were paid in KidZos (the bell ringing, changing
currency of Kidzania). nappies, climbing the
Some decided to go to face of a building and
University, a shrewd move presenting a radio show
as once they had obtained on air was amazing. By
their degree all future the end we even had
wages were doubled. some of our boys teaming
Others decided to jump up with children from
straight into employment other groups, including
delivering
packages primary schools and
around the city or as working together in their
security guards delivering occupations.
cash. Some joined the
local constabulary, fire or A fantastic and rewarding
ambulance service while day for all and very big
others headed to the thank you to all involved.
airport to become a pilot Students’ behaviour was
or the Pit Stop to learn excellent and in particular
how to be a F1 mechanic. those who had to wait an
By the end of the day hour longer than everyone
we had students proudly else due to one of the
wearing pilot’s licences, coaches breaking down
holding degrees, being before it could collect us!
accredited members of
the press and others who
Mr Shoebridge
had passed their medical
Head of RE and Financial
exams in the hospital,
Education Lead
to name but a few.
01322 553236
[email protected]
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
@stcolumbascbs
4
Globe Theatre Visit
PART 1
On the 24th of February, a group of 90 year 7 students
took an amazing trip to the Globe Theatre to witness
a great portrayal of Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’. The
audience was full of excitement the whole way there
and the whole way back and a great time was had by
all. By Morgan Rahim
A slightly shortened and modernized version of
Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ was shown. Ninety Year7
students, teachers and two (very skilled) reporters
travelled by coach to the Globe Theatre in London.
As we got off the coach and walked towards the theatre,
we saw many other schools. As soon as we stepped
through the entrance, it was like being transported
back in time, with the bustling crowds and wooden
galleries, it was almost as if we were living in the 17th
century!
As soon as the play started, a hush fell over the audience
as they witnessed the magic of Shakespeare before their
very eyes. From the first line they were dumbstruck
and the whole atmosphere was full of awe. Even the
teachers, who usually had their hands full with the
boisterous students, managed to enjoy it. The actors
spoke their lines loudly and clearly and interacted with
the audience in a fun way. Confetti was released from
huge cannons, music played and water was shot into
the crowd!
As the play came to a close, the usual din of an audience
that had just watched a fantastic show rose. The journey
home was slow, the roads full of rush hour traffic. All
in all, the trip was a success, the students and teachers
enjoyed it, and the students got to see a brilliant play.
Morgan Rahim
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”
We, definitely had greatness on stage in front of us!
It was with palpable excitement that ninety six students and staff set off to The Globe on London’s Southbank .
This annual event on our Year 7 calendar is always an exciting educational experience made possible through the
collaboration of Globe Education and Deutsche Bank.
This year, we were roaring with laughter as Malvolio appeared in yellow stockings with red cross-garters and
when poor Cesario (Viola in disguise) had to raise a sword in defence against the scheming Sir Andrew Aguecheek
and Sir Toby Belch. The modern twists and sing-a-long complemented The Bard’s own words and made for an
enjoyable, if somewhat chilly afternoon.
Thank you to Ms Green and her BBC School Reporters who accompanied us, their interviews with two members
of the Twelfth Night cast as well as some of our own students’ comments will soon be available online and we
post the link when it has been uploaded
Ms Keevey English Department
01322 553236
[email protected]
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
@stcolumbascbs
5
PGL Football Weekend
The annual PGL football weekend
was a great success. Thirty one Year
7 students travelled by coach on
Friday 4 March to PGL Liddington
in Wiltshire for an action packed
footballing
and
adventurous
experience. The boys took part in a
range of exciting PGL activities such
as Jacob’s Ladder and Orienteering
where
their
teamwork
and
communication skills were put to the
test. Each afternoon, the football
coaches put the boys through their
paces with an intense session. We
returned home on Sunday evening
shattered!
Many thanks to Mr Eldridge, Mr
Virgo and Mr Creighton who kindly
attended this trip.
Mr R Donnelly
PE Department
01322 553236
[email protected]
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
@stcolumbascbs
6
Bexley Village
southbound
diversion
will be via Bourne Road,
Bridge Works
the A2, Old Bexley Lane,
Road Closure (A223) Dartford Road and Vicarage
Road. The road will reFrom 22 February for five open to southbound
weeks Bexley High Street traffic only on 28 March.
will be closed to traffic in Northbound traffic will
both directions at the Old continue to be diverted
Mill site for bridge works. until the work finishes in
July 2016.
Traffic will be diverted via
the A2. The northbound During the road closure
diversion will be via the 492, 601 and B12 bus
Vicarage Road, Dartford routes will be diverted and
Road, Old Bexley Lane, the the bus
A2 and Bourne Road. The
stops in use will change.
Those who normally travel
to Bexley Village on bus
routes 492, 601 and B12
will need to change to
route 132 or 229 at bus
stops E and F on Gravel Hill
during the road closure.
There will be a temporary
school crossing patrol
available to help students
cross between these bus
stops on Gravel Hill at peak
school journey times in
the morning and evening.
To plan your journey use
the Transport for London
Journey Planner https://
tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/
For more information on
the works including the
bus route diversions go to
www.bexley.gov.uk/
bexleyhighstreetbridgep2 or e-mail bridges@
bexley.gov.uk
Now in
our school
TRESS,
GET ORGANISED, DE-S
GET GREAT GRADES
GET GCSEPOD!
Our school is an
inclusive place of
learning that
celebrates and
welcomes diversity.
Every member of our
community is a
unique and
special creation
of God and is known,
cared for and valued
for the contribution
they make.
harder
Make your mobile work
www.gcsepod.com
01322 553236
[email protected]
Every student is
challenged and
supported to achieve
his best.
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
@stcolumbascbs
7
Changes to GCSEs from September 2015
From September 2015, students in Year 10
will begin to take new reformed GCSEs.
The first new GCSEs to be taught from September 2015
will be in English language, English literature and maths.
New GCSEs in other subjects will follow in September
2016 and 2017. The first assessment of the new
GCSE courses that start in September 2015 will be in
June 2017.
What are the key features of the new GCSEs?
The Department for Education (DfE) has made a number
of changes to the characteristics of the new GCSEs.
Key features include:
• A new grading scale that uses the numbers 1 - 9
to replace the A* - G scale for identifying levels of
performance
• ‘Untiered’ test papers in most subjects, where students
will sit the same test papers at the same level regardless
of ability. Some subjects, such as maths, will be tiered
where untiered papers do not allow lower ability
students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills or
do not stretch the most able
• Students will be assessed at the end of the course and
subject content will not be divided into modules
• Assessment will be made by external exam, except
where non-exam assessment is the only way to assess
certain skills
• Students will only sit exams in the summer.
How is the new grading scale different?
The new GCSEs will be graded using the
numbers 1 - 9, with 9 being the highest
and 1 the lowest.
Where performance is below the
minimum required to pass a GCSE,
students will receive a U.
The new grading scale will be used for
the first time at the end of the new GCSE
courses in English language,
English literature and Maths in 2017.
The chart compares the new GCSE
grading structure to the one currently
used for the old ‘legacy’ GCSEs.
For example, a C sits between a 4 and 5
in the new grading structure:
01322 553236
[email protected]
FAQs
My child is in year 10. How Are the new GCSEs going to be
will he be assessed in his GCSE more challenging?
subjects?
Yes,
the
government
In
English
language, explained that one of
English literature and the main reasons why
maths, your child will be GCSEs are being reformed
graded using the new 1 - 9 is to make them more
grading structure in 2017. challenging.
In subjects other than
English language, English
literature and maths,
your child will be graded
using the A* - G grading
structure in 2017.
For example, the new
English language GCSE
will require better reading
skills and good written
English.
My child is in year 11. How When will all of the new GCSEs
will he be assessed in her GCSE be introduced?
subjects?
The last batch of new
Your child will have started GCSEs will be introduced
he GCSEs in September in September 2017.
2014 and therefore will
be sitting the old ‘legacy’ Therefore if your child
GCSEs. He will be graded is in year 7 or year 8 in
using the A* - G grading September 2015, he will
sit all new GCSEs.
structure in 2016.
Changes at St Columba’s
In
light
of
these
developments, we have
changed how we assess our
students. Each term students
will be set an assessment
in each of their subjects.
Their
assessments
will
be graded 1-9. There are
exceptions to this:
• Year 11 will continue to be
assessed using the A*-G grading
system as this will be in line with
the GCSE examinations that they
will sit in the summer.
• Year 10 will be assessed using 1-9
grades in English Language, English
Literature and Mathematics. The
other subjects will continue to be
graded A*-G
The 1-9 grades students
achieve in their assessment
will indicate that they are on
track for those grades in their
GCSEs. Therefore if a student
at Key Stage 3 achieves a 5, he
is on track for a GCSE grade
5. Please note that a Year 9
grade 5 would represent a
more challenging standard
than a Year 8 grade 5, which
would be more challenging
than a Year 7 grade 5.
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
@stcolumbascbs
8
EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME SPRING TERM
MUSIC
Day
Club
Time
Room
Tuesday
Gospel Choir Week 1 only KS4.
1:05 - 1:30pm
Mu2
Wednesday
GCSE Intervention
2:30 - 3:30pm
Keyboard Room
Live Room
Thursday
Guitar, Drums and Keyboard
Club - KS3 only
2:30 - 3.20pm
2:30 - 3:20pm
Live Room &
Practice Rooms
Friday
Drums and Band
Rehearsals KS4 only
2:30 - 3.30pm
2:30 - 3.30pm
Live Room & Practice
Room 1&2
RE
Day
Club
Tuesday
Access to resources and materials and
help with all aspects of RE classwork
and homework for both Key Stages
PE
Day
Monday
KS3 Film Club
Thursday
GCSE catch up club – revisiting topics
from last year’s GCSE course for late
joiners and absentees
Friday
Yr11 Basketball team training REE
Wednesday
Yr7 Interhouse competitions (Rotation)
RDY WVO REE
Yr8 Interhouse competitions (Rotation)
RDY WVO REE
Yr9 Interhouse competitions (Rotation)
RDY WVO REE
Yr10 Interhouse competition (Rotation)
RDY WVO REE
Yr10 Football team training AJN/DSN
Thursday
Yr7 Rugby Training FUY
ART CLUB
Every Wednesday 2:30 - 3:30pm in AR2
For Year 7s
Yr7 Basketball team training HMN
Time: 2:40 - 3:20pm in Sc1
Yr7 Rowing Club REE
Yr8 Rugby Training FUY
FRENCH CLUB / Revision Session Spring Term
Yr8 Basketball team training HMN
Fridays 2:30 - 3:30pm in ML1
Yr8 Rowing Club REE
Yr9 Rowing Club REE
BBC SCHOOL REPORT
Yr10 Rowing Club REE
Thursdays 2:45 - 3.30pm in En7
DEBATE CLUB KS3 Debate Club (Years 7, 8 & 9)
Tuesdays 2:30 - 3:15pm in En4
01322 553236
[email protected]
Yr8 Rugby Training FUY
Yr10 Basketball team training REE
Targeted interventions – mainly GCSE
but some KS3 as required.
SCIENCE CLUB
Yr8 Basketball team training RDY
Yr9 Basketball team training RDY
Tuesday
Wednesday
Club
Friday
Yrs 7-11
Youth Club RDY WVO
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
@stcolumbascbs
9
Wednesday 9th March 2016 - A WEEKLY PRAYER CUSTOM
Encountering Christ
The Parish Version
Prayerfully preparing for the
Sunday Mass and praying in
particular for our school families
Preparing for the Mass of Sunday 13th March 2016 - The Fifth Sunday in Lent
1
Relax & Remember
Set aside 10 -15 minutes and create a suitable environment by removing any distractions. Make sure that you are comfortable. Perhaps
light a candle. Make the sign of the cross † and remain still for a minute of settling silence. Call to mind the love that God has for you.
Remember that through this scripture our Lord is truly present. Then read the Gospel, preferably aloud and slowly, and pay attention
to any words that stand out. If any do, meditate on them for a few minutes and be invited into a dialogue with God.
2
Read
Taken from the Gospel for Sunday 13th March 2016 - The Woman Taken in Adultery (John 8:1-11)
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and, as all the people came to him, he sat
down and began to teach them. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery;
and making her stand there in full view of everybody, they said to Jesus, “Master, this woman was caught in the very act of
committing adultery, and Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this to death by stoning. What have you to say?”
They asked him this as a test, looking for something to use against him. But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground
with his finger. As they persisted with their question, he looked up and said, “‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be
the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he bent down and wrote on the ground again. When they heard this, they went away one
by one, beginning with the eldest, until Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained standing there. He looked up and
said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she replied. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus.
“Go away, and don’t sin any more.”
3
Reflect
After spending a few minutes considering this Gospel, continue by reading Fr Henry Wansbrough’s reflection.
Why this reading from John in the middle of the Year of Luke? All the other gospels during this Lenten season have been from Luke.
The answer is that it is an independent, floating story which does not even fit into the Gospel of John. In early manuscripts of the gospels
this story moves around and is found in various places before it becomes anchored as an example of Jesus’ teachings just after he says,
‘Our Law does not allow us to pass judgement on anyone without first giving them a hearing’ (John 7:51). It is appropriate for this Year
of Luke because the tone of the story and the theme of welcome for the repentant sinner are both thoroughly Lukan, a theme which is
constantly stressed in Luke’s Gospel (for example, in the Parable of the Prodigal Son). What did Jesus write on the ground, or was it that
he was just doodling to allow the accusers time to reflect on their self-righteousness? The latter is certainly one of the main concerns of
St Luke’s Gospel, where it is made clear that you cannot be a follower of Christ without first admitting your sinfulness: when Peter meets
Jesus, he tells Jesus to go away, because he (Peter) is a sinner; Zacchaeus recognises that he is a sinner and promises to make multiple
restitution for his embezzlements; the woman at the supper weeps for her sins at Jesus’ feet.
Why do you think Jesus wrote on the ground? Do I find myself judging others too quickly and too often?
Dom Henry Wansbrough OSB
4
Respond & Request
Now slowly and prayerfully read the Gospel once again but this time in silence. Consider how this Gospel could apply to your life in general.
Then thank God for any insight you may have received. Conclude by asking God to bless you with one of the following spiritual gifts to help
you act on any resolution you have made: love, understanding, wisdom, faithfulness, peace, self control, patience, or joy. Please remember
to pray for the Church and particularly our school families. Then conclude by requesting the prayers of Our Lady & St Joseph.
The Wednesday Word is under the patronage of St Joseph, Patron Saint of Families and Protector of the Church
Within the tradition of the Catholic Church, each Wednesday is dedicated to St Joseph
www.wednesdayword.org
01322 553236
[email protected]
www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk
@stcolumbascbs 10
WEDNESDAY WORD PLUS
Fr Henry’s reflections on the first and second readings of Sunday 13th March 2016
First Reading: The New Exodus
Isaiah 43:16-21
Thus says the Lord, who made a way through the sea, a path in the
great waters, who put chariots and horse in the field and a powerful
army, which lay there never to rise again, snuffed out, put out like a
wick: “No need to recall the past, no need to think about what was
done before. See, I am doing a new deed, even now it comes to light;
can you not see it? Yes, I am making a road in the wilderness, paths
in the wilds. The wild beasts will honour me, jackals and ostriches,
because I am putting water in the wilderness (rivers in the wild) to
give my chosen people drink. The people I have formed for myself
will sing my praises.
During Lent we have been working through the story of Israel preparing – or
being prepared – for the coming of Christ: we have heard of Adam, Abraham,
Moses, the monarchy, and now we hear of the promise of a new beginning.
For that is what Easter is. This part of Isaiah was written during the Exile of
the Jews in Babylon, a traumatic event which seemed to them to be the
end of all their hopes; it seemed to be permanent condition of exile and
slavery, far from their beloved Jerusalem - ‘There we sat and wept,’ says
the Psalmist. But the prophet (whose work is attributed to Isaiah) set out to
re-invigorate them with the promise that they would return to Jerusalem, and
that the wonders of the Exodus from Egypt would be renewed. There would
be a new road across the desert and miraculous supplies of water for the
travellers. The desert would bloom afresh (for the slightest supply of water
brings the withered plants to life in the spring), and the curious beasts of
the desert, jackals and ostriches, would praise the Lord. There is a lesson
for us too. Our trust in God teaches us – and our own experience eventually
grudgingly reinforces this – that seemingly total disaster can become a
source of strength and instruction.
In what way would you wish to be transformed by the new beginning
of Easter?
Second Reading: Pushing Ahead for Olympic Gold
Philippians 3:8-14
I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme
advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For him I have accepted
the loss of everything, and I look on everything as so much rubbish
if only I can have Christ and be given a place in him. I am no longer
trying for perfection by my own efforts, the perfection that comes
from the Law, but I want only the perfection that comes through faith
in Christ, and is from God and based on faith. All I want is to know
Christ and the power of his resurrection and to share his sufferings
by reproducing the pattern of his death. That is the way I can hope to
take my place in the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have become
perfect yet: I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture
the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me. I can assure you my
brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. All I can say
is that I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come; I
am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upwards
to receive in Christ Jesus.
All our power comes from
the Resurrection of Christ.
As we prepare for the celebration of the Passion next week, we read of Paul’s
own struggle in this letter to his special friends at Philippi in Northern Greece.
He is tired, probably already quite elderly, and longs to finish his race and be
with Christ in tranquillity. The games and athletic contests were the football
tournaments of the ancient world. Corinth, where Paul spent so long, was the
centre for the Isthmian Games (more important at the time than the Olympics)
and Paul often uses imagery of running and even boxing. He knows the thrill
of the contest, but at the same time he recognizes that all our power comes
from the Resurrection of Christ. Christ endured and was raised by the Father.
Often for us Christianity consists of also enduring – enduring slights, insults
or neglect and replying with a cheerful word or gesture which dissolves the
hurt and seeks to renew friendship and genuine relationship. There is no need
aggressively to turn the other cheek; it needs more of the courage of Christ to
reply with a positive advance. If I can bring myself to ask, ‘What would Jesus
have done?’ I am already sharing in his strength. In this way, the aggression
of the athlete is redirected!
Apart from his suffering and death, what do you find most inspiring
about Jesus’ life-story and his character as portayed in the gospels?
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