Remembering
When we glance back to the Easter just past (and for our Greek Orthodox brothers and sisters, this weekend), I’m taken back to the ‘Last Supper’, the meal Jesus had with his friends the night before his crucifixion, in the meal he takes two dinner staples, bread and wine, and says to his closest friends, ‘every time you eat bread and drink wine, remember me’. The painting by Jen Norton shows a sharing of bread and wine at the Passover meal. ‘Do this to remember me’, and now throughout the world, Christians gather and regularly share a meal of communion (common union) to remember.
Last Thursday was ANZAC Day, and our students across the School participated in various actions of remembering. The words, ‘Lest we forget’ repeated throughout the School. View our ANZAC Day services.
Why is remembering so important?
It’s important to go back to a place and time through remembering, to experience the essence of that occasion so we can more fully understand. Jesus sharing a simple meal with his friends in love, remembering Gallipoli cove and the horror that faced the ANZACS.
It’s important so that we can see how far we have come – how for Christians that simple meal spread from Jerusalem to around the world, uniting all people. To see how far we have come in our understanding of war, freedom and sacrifice.
It’s important because it provides connection to a bigger narrative of humanity.
And it’s important because it shapes our identity as a people.
So, whether we, remember Jesus each week at church, or we once a year, vow not to forget on ANZAC Day, let’s uphold and value the place of remembering in our collective lives.
Grace and Peace
Alison Andrew | School Chaplain
