By Rev. Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain

This year’s teamSUPPORT crew is gearing up as they prepare for the annual Black Mountain theme day. For those who are not aware of teamSUPPORT, the group comprises of Year 10 students who work together to develop teamwork and leadership skills in the context of serving others for the common good. It is impressive to watch students be open, and even vulnerable, with each other, and in doing so, breaking down stereotypes surrounding typical teenage social behaviour. The students are learning to be more inclusive, not only with one another, but also with those they serve and play with at Black Mountain school and RAID basketball.

In many respects teamSUPPORT reflects Jesus teaching his disciples about welcoming others. The Book of Mark provides an account of Jesus and the disciples arriving in the village of Capernaum where Jesus talks to them about not being concerned about social status, but, placing a child amongst them, instructs the 12 to welcome the least into society.

As in ancient times, our contemporary society remains geared towards power and status. Although virtues like gentleness and kindness are valued, characteristics such as grit and ruthlessness are often associated with the most powerful and successful. Ambition can be self-focussed and sometimes come at the expense of relationships. Jesus overturns this notion of greatness and significance by detailing what the social order should be: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

Jesus lives out the radical grace and service he preaches that completely reverses the world’s perceptions of ‘greatness’ based on ideals such social status, wealth and achievement. Perhaps we resist grace because the world’s understanding of ‘great’ is much more appealing than to be great on Jesus’ terms. Greatness on Jesus’ terms means being humble, lowly, and vulnerable as a child. We may feel it is too great a risk to follow what Jesus sees as greatness. And yet, watching teamSUPPORT students play with those who are most vulnerable, you might just get the sense that Jesus’ teaching of greatness is what we really should strive for.

Go in peace,

Rev. Andy