1. Introduction by Dan Heischman
2. Reflection by Brandt Montgomery
3. Reflection by David Padilla
4. Reflection by Cheryl Adenekan
I recently received a phone call from a former student of my previous school in Southwestern Louisiana. When I began at my previous school in 2014, tasked with bringing the upper school campus “back in line” with its Episcopal identity and liturgical tradition, I was met with much resistance, particularly by the senior class. This former student and his senior classmates were accustomed to daily chapel being a certain way and grew resentful of me changing things. To borrow from Dickens, “It was…the worst of times.”
Now almost eight years and another school chaplaincy later, this former student called to tell me something he said had been on his heart for some time. Paraphrasing, he went right to it:
When I was a senior in high school, the blatant disrespect I showed you was unacceptable. And one of the biggest mistakes I have regretted making was convincing someone to place a racist magazine on your desk, thinking, “How funny will this be for Father Montgomery to see this?!” I became a Christian in college and since then that mistake has gnawed at me to the point that I couldn’t let any more time pass without talking to you and asking for your forgiveness.
If you are not yet at the place where you can forgive me, I completely understand. I just couldn’t let any more time pass without saying how sorry I am for the way I treated you. The friendship you showed me despite what I did I did not deserve. I will always be grateful for it. I hope that you can forgive me.
I did forgive my former student and was glad to alleviate his concern. What this conversation both reminded me of and brought home during these (hopefully fleeting) pandemic days was the importance of relationship. COVID has caused us to reflect on what we have done toward each other and how we may have taken advantage of some relationships. The time has caused many to repent and, through repentance, forge news ways forward as neighbors. In my specific instance, it was humbling to hear how my actions from years ago managed to impact a former student’s life in this present time.
As educators, it is gratifying to see right away the fruits of our efforts. But as Episcopal school educators, we must remember how we are engaged in work that not only is aimed at forming young minds but also their hearts. In this sense, results may not be immediate. But with God’s help, the results will come at the right time, even if we do not get to see them.
That is why all we do as Episcopal school educators is crucial work. God will water our virtual work and make it grow. The in-person coming harvest—the inclination of our students’ wills toward good—will be worth our constant efforts. So, in all things virtual and in person, be gentle, yet courageous in doing good. Your students will remember you for it.
The Rev. Brandt L. Montgomery is Chaplain at Saint James School in Hagerstown, MD.