MY ELDER DAUGHTER RACHEL graduated from Glasgow Caledonian today: BSc in Occupational Therapy with First Class Honours.  Her parents, siblings, family and friends are pleased as punch, and my ever optimistic hope for the future of humankind is enhanced immeasurably as I scan the list of names and accomplishments in the order for the day.

“You will do greater works than these” said Jesus (John 14.12) to companions who were growing in ever broadening faith and understanding, to members of the human race who were and are caught up in having their minds opened. “Greater works than these …”  And generations later it is so. Rachel joyfully embarks upon a ministry with and for others (though she probably wouldn’t call it that). One of her fellow students received an award for “a thesis entitled Studies on the Classification and Identification of Aerobic, Endospore-forming Bacteria” (I had to check the spelling twice!).

Today’s learners. Today’s disciples. Thank God. There’s hope for all of us in an ever-expanding world that’s filled with so much more of glory than is sometimes to be found within our religious institutions alone. Congratulations Rachel. Well done to any and all are who are open to growing, and to Glasgow Caledonian’s named aspiration: “For the Common Weal”.