The Sunday gone by was Pentecost Sunday – the day the Holy Spirit first inspired the disciples to speak to a diverse crowd about Jesus Christ, such that each person heard the message in his or her own language (Acts 2). A couple of years ago on Pentecost, I had the privilege of being part of the altar party in Canterbury Cathedral – an experience I will never forget. I stood as one among several representatives of Anglican clergy and ordinands from countries all over the world, partaking of the Eucharist together. When we came to the Lord’s Prayer, each prayed in their own languages – reminiscent in a way of that first Pentecost, portraying once again the message of Pentecost: that God’s intention is for us to be one in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yet we know that reconciliation is a continuing work in our country, particularly when we look at the vastly different resources and opportunities available to our country’s children. We at St Mary’s, together with many at other private and some government schools, are in a situation of great privilege. As we know, however, there are so many children who have inadequate resources to be given the opportunity to realise their potential.

We are part of the Body of Christ, the ekklesia, or community in Christ. To each of us is given the continuing work of reconciliation. To help our girls be aware of our responsibility in this regard, the chapel collection this term will go toward two of our St Mary’s educational outreach initiatives – specifically towards the sports facilities at Waverley Girls’ High School, and towards the Alexandra High Schools’ Programme. These initiatives are part of our community, and reminders will be sent out periodically on the St Mary’s app.

Please let us also keep our country’s education systems, and our responsibilities in this regard, in our prayers this term.