Good Shepherd day

Modern shepherd

It's the 4th Sunday of Easter ... traditionally Good Shepherd Sunday which in Asia is associated with vocations. I sent this photo of a modern shepherd in Nazareth to our Archbishop and he was happy.

Schools have reopened for primary 1-3 students as well as secondary students, special needs students and ultra-orthodox seminaries. It's mainly to relief the parents from homelier so they can go to work. However many mayors have questioned the wisdom of such an action ... being based more on economic than health concerns ... so they have refused to allow schools to reopen in their districts. Newspapers are speaking of chaos but I think it's all a bit exaggerated. Things we find it's equilibrium and if everyone takes necessary precautions there would be no further infections. But in all this, I see how parents view the education system ... schools are more daycare centres than formation centres. It's meant to let parents be free for their work. That attitude needs to be looked seriously into.

Several days back news report that Israel fired missiles into Syria. There has been nor retaliatory attacks by Syria ... being occupied with the virus containment. Hopefully there'll be no escalation as everyone is already wearied from the lockdown and a military offensive is the last thing everyone wants.

Our student-chefs at work

Lockdown meant we have no workers coming in to work ... including the all important cooks. A team of profs and students have undertaken this job to feed us. And their secret talents have been revealed. 2 of our students are excellent pastry chefs, making cakes and creampuffs every week. I guess today for Good Shepherd Sunday they've come up with a chocolate spongecake. And the others are preparing a barbecue in our courtyard. It's a good change to get out in the open for  a meal. Tents have been set up to block out the scorching sun. Everything seems to be in place. We just need to bring our appetites at noon.