Mr. Gant
Dwelling Together in Unity
“Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” Genesis 4:8
The second quarter has officially started and with it, our house system. Upper school students were divided into three houses: the House of Constantine, the House of Augustine, and the House of Justinian. A common misunderstanding about the house system is that it divides students and creates enemies out of friends. This is not the intention of a house system, and at Telos we structure the houses to foster community and healthy competition.
Ever since the fall of man, brother has been divided against brother. In fact the first brothers we read about, Cain and Abel, are prime examples of this kind of division and jealousy. Cain kills Abel out of jealousy. As we continue tracing the family line after Abraham, Jacob steals a birthright and blessing from his brother Esau, and Esau is so filled with hatred that he wants to kill his own brother. Later Joseph’s brothers also hate him and want to kill him. Rather than committing murder, they choose to sell him into Egyptian slavery. While in slavery Joseph suffers in prison even though he is innocent. After years of suffering, Joseph is remembered, brought out of prison, and eventually placed as second in command over all of Egypt. Right when he finally has power and authority, his brothers come to Egypt begging for help, and they do not even recognize him. Joseph could have chosen revenge, and yet he shows mercy. He explains to them, “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:19-21). Joseph understands that God had larger redemptive purposes, even in the midst of his suffering.
Ultimately, Joseph’s story points to another greater than himself. Joseph’s story teaches us that one day, another descendent of Abraham will be hated by his brothers, suffer even though he is innocent, and offer mercy to those who sin against him. Jesus Christ is the true suffering servant who is exalted as King of all creation. He brings peace between man and God which results in peace among men. This is what Christian community is about. At Telos, we emphasize that true unity between brothers can only come through the power of Jesus Christ. He forgives us of our sins and fills us with his Spirit so that we can dwell together in unity, not as enemies but as friends.
With this understanding, our scholars have begun earning points for habits of virtue, such as excelling in prudence or serving their fellow students. They have also earned points from athletic competitions such as racing backwards while sitting on a potted plant roller. There is certainly a buzz of excitement about the houses already. They will learn to celebrate their friends’ success, even if they are in different houses because they want to see each other grow in virtue. They have also chosen their community service projects for the year. I cannot wait to see how the three houses contribute to our mission at Telos of helping these scholars love God and their neighbor. And of course, like everyone, I am excited to see which house wins at the end of the year!
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
