Catholic Education Day: Thinking as One in Christ

J: Every fourth Sunday in September is observed as Catholic Education Day, a special occasion for all Catholic schools to reflect on what learning and living together truly mean. The theme for this year is “With the same love, thinking one thing.” It is not just a slogan, but it’s actually about something we experience every single day.

M: Have you ever noticed how great it feels when you experience being perfectly in sync with your friend?  For example,  when someone tells a joke, and before they even finish the sentence, you’re already laughing because you instantly catch the reference, or when you’re playing games together, you don’t even need to talk to know what your teammate is about to do. This is exactly what “with the same love” means, that is like tuning into the same frequency, where mutual understanding, loving one another and support come naturally.

J: However, “being perfectly in sync with others” doesn’t mean that all of us have to think in the same way. Instead, it’s about a change in our mindset: not to ask “what’s in it for me?” but try to ask “how can we make things better together?”. For example, during a group project, when someone only tries to finish the easiest job only, the task could not be done but followed by more arguments. Instead when we are willing to step back, and consider the others, focus on more meaningful things, like those that benefit not just ourselves but also others, those of lasting value and even those that align with Jesus’s teachings, we would not miss out on what truly matters.

M: From the Gospel of Mark 10:45, saying that” For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” Jesus left a perfect model for us. At the Last Supper, Jesus washed feet for his disciples. At that time, the roads were muddy and dusty, and washing feet for people was the job of the servants. However, Jesus, as the Son of God, master of the disciples, was still willing to wash the disciples’ feet himself as to tell us the message of loving one another.He proved that when we are in front of God, the true greatness is not about how many people serve you, but about how much love you have shared with others.

J: Jesus had once said “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” To live out our faith truly, we should learn to love and care for others. When we are willing to adjust ourselves and pursue greater goals for the common good as a community in school, we will feel joy easily since it is rooted in the communion we share in Christ. May we start by some small little action, listen to people more and care for our neighbor more. Now, please take out your prayer book and turn to page 67, no. 47. Prayer for our friends and neighbors, let’s pray…Today Morning Prayer Challenge question is, please share one little thing that you can do for your schoolmates or teachers to show your love and care.

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