Religious Education News 

Dear Parents and Guardians

On 28th August the Church celebrates Social Justice Sunday. This year the Catholic Bishops statement is Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse. The Bishops have added their voice to global campaigns to confront and call out destructive attitudes and behaviours that lead to life-limiting and long-lasting impacts on many vulnerable members of our families, churches, and society.

Prayer:

Loving God, you made each of us in your image and likeness.

Open our eyes to recognise one another as equals,

replacing domination and control, violence, and abuse,

with mutuality, reciprocity, respect, and freedom.

Help us to love like you. Amen

This Sunday’s Gospel Luke: 14:1. 7-14

All who exalt themselves shall be humbled and all who humble themselves shall be exalted.

On a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’

Then he said to his host, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’

Scriptural context of the Gospel– Humility and Honour

Jesus’ comments about taking the place of honour at a table are introduced as being a parable. Because it is identified as a parable, we know that there is a richer meaning below the surface. In talking about places at a feast, Jesus is referring to the kingdom of God. We know that Jesus has already identified that the lowly in this world will be in a place of honour in the kingdom. His message is that those who humble themselves in this world and give hospitality to the lowly will be lifted up – exalted – in the kingdom.

Food For Thought

Q. What role does status and position play in our world today?

Q. With which role or figure in the parable do you most associate?

Q. When have you had the experience of being humbled or being ‘put in your place’?

Q. In what ways do you humble or raise up – exalt – others?

Thank you everyone

God Bless

Carmel Vozzo

Education in Faith Leader