The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth depicted in the gospel on this fourth week of Advent is a powerful moment of joy, faith and gratitude.
Mary, newly carrying Jesus in her womb, visiting her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist, exhibits an extraordinary encounter that is a beautiful testament to the power of God’s grace and the strength of shared faith. It reminds us of the joy found in trusting God’s plan and the support we receive through loving relationships.
With the spirit of joy and gratitude flowing from this week’s gospel story, I wish to recall a couple of events that happened this week, especially the three Graduation Masses that took place for all Year 6 students across our school communities. Fr Hoang celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fr Steve at Our Holy Redeemer, while I celebrated with the children of Our Lady’s Primary School. It was very special to be with them for their milestone celebration. The joy on children’s faces, the feeling of pride and hope in the parents and the sense of fulfilment the teachers felt, gave the celebration a beautiful atmosphere.
One of the things that I really noticed, and appreciated, was the introduction presented by some of the graduates in which they highlighted, not so much their own achievements over their seven years of primary school, but rather, the gratitude they wished to express to those who were involved in their education during these foundation years. The following highlights some of the beautiful words that they used:
Graduation is a time of gratitude to God, our Creator and Provider, whose guidance and care goes before us and whose love is with us forever.
Graduation is a time of gratitude to our parents, who love us unconditionally; their support and interest have sustained us. Their presence in our lives is like a rock.
Graduation is a time of gratitude to our teachers and peers, partners in our school life. It is their friendship and tuition that have helped to shape who we are. They have been integral in our preparation to face the future.
Not long ago, I happened to read an article on gratitude which highlights what taking on this perspective and attitude in life could bring to us. It says: “When we are grateful, we can appreciate the simple joys, the kindness of others and the opportunities that come our way. Gratitude enables us to find meaning in everyday experiences and to cherish the relationships that enrich our lives.”
As we move closer to Christmas and in the light of the gospel, let us take time to reflect on the many blessings God has given to us and let us celebrate with gratitude His presence and the presence of others in our lives.
Published 20 December 2024
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Irena says:
Yes I keep forgetting how much gratitude ww owe to God. Especially thankful for living in Australia and not the Middle East or Ukraine. Good of you to bring it up we tend to overlook what’s in front of us.
Laura Facci says:
What wonderful & mature reflections the grade 6’s showed in the quotes listed above.
Well done to their teachers for nurturing the students’ talents.
Patricia Watkinson says:
And gratitude every morning that we are given another day in which we can endeavour to do what we can for others.