PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS TO SCHOOL ASSEMBLY – MARCH 20, 2018
I want to take the opportunity to speak with you today about Palm Sunday, which as you know is approaching this Sunday. I then want to pull threads from this to tie some meaning for each of us in our lives today.
Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates the triumphant arrival of Christ in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified.
In the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a young donkey, to the lavish praise of the townspeople who threw palms in front of him as a sign of homage. This was a customary practice for people of great respect. Palm branches are widely recognized symbol of peace and victory.
Jesus’ choice of a donkey instead of a horse is highly symbolic, it represents the humble arrival of someone in peace, as opposed to arriving on a steed in war.
The Bible says that Jesus wept for Jerusalem. In the midst of the praise of the moment, He knew in his heart that it wouldn’t be long before these same people would turn their backs on Him, betray Him, and crucify Him. His heart broke with the reality of how much they needed a Saviour.
This is captured in the Gospel of Luke Ch 19, Vs 41-42; “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it, and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes.”
As we approach Palm Sunday, and then Holy Week, may we constantly be reminded of its significance and value for our lives today. That very important day in history, when Jesus began His journey towards the cross.
Let me share a ‘Daltonism’ with you (for those most learned in the room, I’m not referring to a kind of colour blindness).
When you see something wrong in the world, you have two choices:
- Do something, OR
- Do nothing
I want each of you to have the courage of Jesus when you see something wrong in the world, or if we think more in our context, right here in our College. If you see something that you know is wrong, such as bullying, inappropriate behavior in your classes; even if it is one of your friends, I challenge you to do something, don’t ignore it, or look the other way.
Leaders Act. Have the courage to stand up for what is right.
I have invited Father Mark to our assembly next week as a special guest speaker. He will share with you the mysteries of Holy Week.
Mr. Dalton
Principal.
