Kildare College

It would be a bit cliché to talk about being time poor and constantly busy, not having any time to relax. Nevertheless, this seems to be the norm and it comes at a cost as we are tired and stressed. Unavoidably, we begin to try to put things in perspective, and so ask ourselves, “What’s it all about?”

In a little while, our Year 10 and 11 students will be thinking about their subjects for next year in preparation for their future. There will also be an air of excitement, yet anxiousness as our Year 12 students come to realise that they are half way through their formal lessons of their final year of school. This is always an exciting time for senior students as they begin to determine where their path in life may lead them and, inevitably, consider the question, “What’s it all about?”

Really, it’s all about a lot of things. It’s about cementing knowledge in a particular area. It’s about spending quality time with family and friends. It’s about making the most of your opportunities. It’s about not taking anything for granted, and I could go on.

This question, however, is constantly raised through the Gospel readings. Through the various stories that we read we have been challenged to consider what it is all about.

For Christians, it is simply about finding meaning in the life of Jesus. Without this, then finding such things as knowledge, friendship and opportunities, is meaningless, as we do so without any foundation. This is because, in Jesus, we find what it is to be deeply and truly human. That is love.

St Brigid not only understood but had an exceptional grasp of this. She found inspiration and guidance in the life of Jesus and she too strove to be as human as possible. She showed us how easy it is to love others, to welcome strangers and to give to those who are in need. Ultimately, she showed us that whatever path one may take in life, it’s about finding meaning in the life of Jesus, because ultimately, it’s about being as human as possible. It is to love.

In his messages to the world, Pope Francis often talks about being truly human. He talks about a church that should be out on the streets working with the most vulnerable, the promotion of all human life, human freedom, economic justice and much more. Ultimately, his message is to follow the teachings of Jesus, and to love.

What’s it all about? Love.

Enrico Caprioli
APRIM