The Center of It All

Jesus’ response to our worry-filled lives is quite different. He asks us to shift the point of gravity, to relocate the center of our attention, to change our priorities. Jesus wants us to move from the “many things” to the “one necessary thing.” It is important for us to realize that Jesus in no way wants us to leave our many-faceted world. Rather, he wants us to live in it, but firmly rooted in the center of all things. Jesus does not speak about a change of activities, a change of contacts, or even a change of pace. He speaks about a change of heart.

-Henri Nouwen

The balance between trust and action as a steward of a Catholic school is such a difficult one. At one point do we trust that our school will be okay? With schools shuddering around the country, how do we balance our sense of trusting in God in the immediate with our doubts about our immediate future?

I think Nouwen writes to remind us that our focus cannot be the school or even the students, but that our love and work for the students is driven by our focus on Jesus. It is a difficult concept; but one that can anchor us more firmly in times of difficulty and worry.