During the Term 1 holidays, I had the opportunity to learn more about the lives of Royal Australian Air Force Warrant Officers Frank Dimmick and Gordon Webb, Old Carey Grammarians who fought to protect Australia during World War II. I encourage you to click on their names to read tributes to them and learn about their experiences while stationed in Europe and the South Pacific respectively.
I hope that their experiences, as shared by their family members, encourage us to all be peacemakers.
Jesus told his followers that, no matter where we might find ourselves, blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Jesus encouraged people then, and has inspired people ever since, to reflect on how we could and should interact as members of one family.
This term, may we continue – and even learn new ways – to attempt and expect great things in our own efforts to be peacemakers. May we hold poor behaviour to account and promote justice and reconciliation in our homes, at school, in public and online.
May the following poem by Teedy Dawn and the prayer that follows help shape our thinking this term.
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Teedy Dawn
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they strive to bring order to a world of chaos and uncertainty,
They bring hope to those whose guardians have rejected them and forced them to a live a life without choice.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they lift up their hearts and show no fear in the face of menace and oppression,
They walk among those who nurture only lies, steadfast in their pursuit of truth and justice.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they feel the pain of hunger, subjugation, torture and grief,
they serve only to ease the burden of life that others must endure.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they know that love will prevail over tyranny and terror,
they ask nothing for themselves, but without question give their lives to humanity.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they believe in freedom and the sanctity of life,
they die so that others may live.
Let us pray.
O God, our ruler and guide, in whose hands are the destinies of this and every nation, we give you thanks for the freedoms we enjoy in this land and for those who laid down their lives to defend them: We pray that we and all the people of Australia, gratefully remembering their courage and their sacrifice, may have grace to live in a spirit of justice, of generosity and of peace; help us to follow the example of Jesus, the Prince of Peace and care for friend and stranger alike. Amen.
Rev. Scott Bramley
Middle School Chaplain
