Pass The Parcel

‘The History Boys’ is a film/play about a class of teenage boys preparing for the Oxford and Cambridge entrance examinations. Hector’s an unconventional, eccentric teacher, who inspires them to love learning and understand history.

In the final scene Hector encourages his ‘history boys’: ’Pass the parcel. That’s sometimes all you can do. Take it, feel it, and pass it on. Not for me, not for you, but for someone, somewhere, one day. Pass it on, boys. That’s the game I want you to learn. Pass it on.’

Sam was about to start at medical school. Ron wanted to support Sam through his training…

Ron gave Sam a sum of money each year on the condition that he didn’t repay him, but at some point, when he could afford it, he would pass on what he had been given to someone else.

Sam has now qualified as a doctor. Lessons he learnt in medical school he’s now putting into practice on the hospital wards; the lesson he learnt from Ron he’s living out in his generosity to others.

Passing on what you know, is a continuing Biblical theme. This morning I’ve read Titus. Paul’s encouraging Titus to establish churches on the island of Crete, saying that Titus mustn’t just teach Christian doctrine, but show folks how to live a Christian life.

He must ‘set an example by doing what is good,’ passing on what he has learnt by encouragement, guidance, teaching, correction but most especially by example, through the words and actions of ordinary everyday life.

Musing…

…Those who have influenced me most… Hector’s eccentric enthusiasm… Ron’s quiet generosity… Paul’s call for teaching by example…

…My calling, my responsibility, my passion… passing on my parcel of faith, hope, love that I’m holding now… to family, friends, the next generation… by the person I am and the life I live.