Change. Whenever we are presented with change, we may often find ourselves responding in one or two ways – either with hope or with suspicion. Perhaps, it’s both.
On Good Friday this year, I received my acceptance letter from the CSTM to complete the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry program. It seemed more than just a coincidence. Early in the year, I had been asking God about what was next for me in the realm of ministry and mission.
Over the last 7 years, Diocesan youth ministry in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains was where I was called to serve and over the last 18 months, I had taken up an additional appointment by our Bishop, leading our first ever Diocesan Synod. We are the youngest Diocese, the fastest growing, and one of the most multicultural dioceses in Australia. It was an incredible gift and undertaking. We listened to thousands of people, captured hundreds of stories, and learned of the suffering and hopes of the people of God. In October last year, coinciding with the Synod on Synodality in Rome, we held our 3-day Synod assembly where 24 resolutions were passed by 200 members representing our incredibly diverse Diocesan community. Finally, this past August, we launched one of the fruits of our synodal journey- our Diocesan Pastoral Plan for Synodal Church.
Two weeks later, supported by our Diocese, I’m here at Boston College to live and study for a year. I’m still left in awe and surprise at how God moves. Over the last two years, particularly since World Youth Day in Lisbon 2023, God has continued to reveal to me God’s faithfulness and generosity, with two bold messages: ‘I am not done yet’, and ‘I want you to be a part of it.’
I knew that moving to a different country, shifting from full time work to full time study, being away from my loved ones, and starting anew was always going to be a challenge. Many shared with me their own stories of change and moving abroad. The first three weeks demanded a deeper level of trust but also a willingness to sit in the unavoidable experience of grief and loss. What has aided the transition is the deep understanding of our human need to be in communion and relationship and this has inspired me to take risks and introduce myself to people, reach out when I need support, accept invitations for meals and activities, and allow the adventure that God continues to unfold for my life become present and real.
I’m grateful to the many friendly and warm colleagues in the work of study here that have already witnessed God’s accompanying presence to me. From cooked dinners to homemade smoothies, after class debriefs to conversations in the CSTM Student Lounge, prayer at daily Mass to experiences of spirituality through sport. As the adjustment continues to reveal areas of my own humanness to me, inviting a deeper humility before the One who desires our good, I am holding on to hope knowing that God works in all things and holds all things in love.
For us humans who often seek certainty and understanding, perhaps in this time of newness for many of us, we might consider asking God to help us grow a hopeful disposition for the surprises and adventure that God still wants to take us on.