When Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem on the day that we now know as Palm Sunday, the people laid palms on the ground for him to walk on. One explanation for this is that, at that time, it was common practice to welcome home a king or war hero by laying out a path of branches much like we do today by rolling out the red carpet. This is an indication of the regard in which the people of Jerusalem held Jesus, the son of a common carpenter. How quickly things change, only a very short time later many of these same people were calling for Jesus to be crucified. We can only surmise how could this happen, but, I feel, the fear of change and having the way that things had always been done challenged would have been a significant factor. Many would ask how people could even consider putting Jesus to death but when our normality is challenged many of us may be capable of things that we later regret.
Let us pray that we may always remain open to new ideas and accepting of those who challenge us with them.
On the First of November 1914 the first convoy ships set sail from Albany carrying Australian and New Zealand troops to the First World War. For many of these, Albany was the last they saw of Australia. Today we live in one of the safest and most prosperous places on earth and it is largely due to the sacrifices made by these men and the many men and women who followed in subsequent conflicts defending our country and our way of life.
This morning we remembered those who have and those who currently serve in the military at our ANZAC Service co-ordinated by Miss Danielle Smith and Mr Adam Seers. The children were very respectful throughout the service which was highlighted by an address by Mrs Carley Chua (mother of Harry in Year 3 and Samuel in Year 5) which focused on both nursing during conflicts and in modern times. I think the children were particularly engrossed when she told them that, even though she had to clean up wee, poo and vomit as part of her job, she still loves her work and feels privileged to be a nurse. Thank you, Carley, for such a poignant address. A wreath and posy prepared by my wife, Anne, were respectfully placed on the Australian flag alongside some cushions adorned with poppies that were hand-crocheted by Christian Rozario (Year 6), Mrs Mary Evangelista and Mrs Carmel Kempton. A number of children were dressed in their service uniforms which enhanced the dignity of the occasion.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our service this morning and made it a very moving occasion.
