Supporting students in gaining wisdom, (part 3).

Romans 10: 14 - 15

“How are they to call on him (Jesus) if they have not come to believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard of him? And how will they hear of him unless there is a preacher for them? And how will there be preachers if they are not sent?”

The Vatican II document: Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy states in verse 18: “With zeal and patience, pastors of souls must promote the liturgical instruction of the faithful, and also their active participation in the liturgy both internally and externally, taking into account their age and condition, their way of life, and standard of religious culture. By so doing, pastors will be fulfilling one of the chief duties of a faithful dispenser of the mysteries of God; and in this matter they must lead their flock not only in word but also by example.”

The meaning of students actively and consciously participating in the liturgical proclamation of The Word may in fact be different to what we think it should be. It is not about having a part to do in a class liturgy or in the Mass. The ‘part to do’ is rather simple, it means The Word is proclaimed in such a manner that:

1. it supports the students to hear what is being shared;
2. it is accessible to them, and so it is comprehensible;
3. as students go from the proclamation they live their life and activate their faith, having been nurtured and uplifted by hearing The Word. In fact, by faith, they go out and recreate this world with God.

In the daily lives of many primary students the scriptures, which are meant to inform and support their faith, remain somewhat inaccessible. Written in adult language the passages are often too challenging to be comprehended if shared without preparation.

Psychology has done a lot to guide people through adversity and recently is researching and explaining the positive side of living, what type of thinking and behaviour adds value to a person’s happiness. The texts of Christianity embrace the source of all life through Christ and record wisdom as passed on by a people encountering life with God. Helping students to access wisdom whether it is by ‘Godly Play’, lectio divina, praxis, a class dramatisation, a film clip or a shortened excerpt of the scripture reading is a way to support students participate actively and consciously in living their lives to the fullest.