Supporting the vulnerable
By Rev. Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain
In the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ ministry, there are many instances where he looks out for and helps people who have been made vulnerable. This could be due to a change in their circumstances, or because they were already vulnerable because of their circumstances. Jesus is either healing those who are sick or blind, blessing those who were considered ‘non-persons’ in that society, or teaching the wealthy how to care for the poor and vulnerable.
On one occasion, Jesus’ disciples try to turn away children whose parents had brought them to Jesus. Children were considered 'less than human' in that time period and so the disciples stopping them from seeing Jesus was considered a societal norm. However, through his actions of blessing the children, Jesus shows us how to be more open, welcoming and supportive to vulnerable people on the fringes of society.
Through the actions and teachings of his ministry, Jesus provides us with an insight into how we can engage with those that are vulnerable in our community.
Indeed, our students have the opportunity to learn about and support those who are vulnerable through the awareness of Radford’s service partners. Today, the Junior School observed Day for Daniel, while in the Secondary School, students were advised about the opportunity to contribute to charitable organisations that serve some of the most vulnerable in our wider community. On Pay it Forward Day (Wednesday 6 November) students will bring items to support the work of St John’s Care in their Pantry Appeal. There is also a BBQ and Bake Sale for the Lion’s Club 34th Annual World Festival of Magic, an event Radford College has been supporting annually since 1995.
We all know of the many programs and events our school engages with that are designed to care for those whose circumstances result in their vulnerability. These opportunities centre around service learning and enable students and the wider College community to walk with and care for the vulnerable. It is a blessing that we are in a position that we can learn from and follow the example of Jesus.
Go in peace,
Rev Andy