Finding Freedom

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me… Matthew 25:35

This week is Refugee Week. The theme this year is ‘Finding Freedom’. As people who are blessed with freedom, it can be difficult to imagine what living without freedom might mean. The refugee council of Australia states that being free can mean,

‘To live without the fear of war, to have your basic human rights upheld, to live in equality and without the fear of persecution are just some of the examples of what freedom can entail. Every day millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. From Australia to nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey can also provide the opportunity to live, to love and to dream. ‘

At the end of the school term, we look to freedom from routine, we look for new freedoms such as adventures or new experiences, celebrating friendships or just being at home without watching the clock for our next appointments. With gratitude we acknowledge the good fortune we encounter in our lives every day. With these gifts and grace in our lives, we can strive to learn how we can use our life experiences to better the lives of others.

For those in our community we also remember that winter can be a difficult time. Not everyone has the warmth of a home. Some will struggle because of rising energy costs.

We acknowledge the great work of agencies such as St Vincent de Paul. We look forward to continuing our work with St Vinnies as part of the Winter Appeal.

Today at lunchtime the Justice in Action Group (JAG) held a hot chocolate day. We sold Hot chocolates, Oreos and marshmallows to support the St Vinnies winter Appeal.

The St Vinnies Winter Appeal this year is focusing on supporting the number of older women who are at risk of homelessness. The Winter Appeal helps to provide shelter, food, clothing and long-term support to many people in crisis including our mothers, grandmothers, friends and neighbours - and help rebuild their lives.

The reason we chose to do a hot chocolate day was to not only raise money for the St Vinnies Winter appeal but also to raise awareness about the current situation many people in our community are facing. In our day to day lives it is easy to forget how challenging life may be for people living in homelessness and poverty so experiencing the feeling of being cold and then being warmed up can bring to light how important it is for us to support those in need.

We thank all of those who come and supported out initiative.

Like Jesus we can listen, and we can act. We can support and promote preferential treatment for the poor and marginalised. We can continue to highlight with strong voices, the responsibility of all nations to share equitably in the earth’s resources and promote freedom as a way of life not only for some but for all.

The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2