26 May to 2 June

My Solution: a response to Francey and Hufton

Even when problems may seem too great I think it is important that we should endeavour to make a difference where we can. I share Blessed Teresa of Calcutta's fondness for the ancient Chinese proverb: 'It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness'. So my solution to the overwhelming list of heart-rending issues raised by David Francey would be to adopt the 'See, Judge, Act, Celebrate' methodology used for many years in Catholic justice and peace work. His reflection illustrates the first part of this method, because he clearly 'sees' the problems, while Dave Hufton emphasises the need for judgement; to decide on what issues we can make a difference, and to discern where our time and talents are best employed and with whom we can best work. Having seen and judged it is time to 'act', to see whether our actions make any difference and judge whether we need to change what we have done.

All the time we are seeing, judging and acting it is important not to let the size of the task ahead daunt, but to 'celebrate' the gifts we and others have been given and the good things that enrich creation.

David Arblaster, Director of Services to Students