Catholic Identity

Lent: A Time of Renewal

Next Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal as we prepare for Easter. It lasts for 40 days, reminding us of Jesus’ time in the desert, where He fasted and prayed. During Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus through three key practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer.

Fasting: More than just giving up food, fasting is about making space for God. This could mean reducing screen time, cutting back on unnecessary spending, or letting go of habits that distract from faith.
Almsgiving: Lent is a time to be generous and serve others. You might donate to a charity, support a parish initiative, or simply offer time to someone in need. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Prayer: Deepen your connection with Jesus by setting aside time for prayer each day. This could include reading Scripture, attending Mass, praying the Rosary, or keeping a gratitude journal focused on God’s blessings.

Lenten Events at St. Kilian’s

To support our students and families during Lent, we invite you to join us for the following events:

🥞 Shrove Tuesday Breakfast – A chance to gather as a community and share pancakes before the Lenten season begins.

✝️ Ash Wednesday Mass – A special liturgy marking the beginning of Lent, where we receive ashes as a sign of repentance and renewal.

🚶‍♂️ CARITAS K’s Fundraiser – A whole-school initiative to walk in solidarity with those in need, raising funds for CARITAS Australia.

🙏 Facebook Weekly Prayer – Join us online for a short evening Lenten prayer, bringing our community together in faith.

As we journey through Lent, may these practices and events help us grow in faith and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.

Gospel Reflection

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Summary

In this passage, Jesus teaches that we should not judge others without first looking at our own actions. He uses the example of a blind person leading another blind person, showing that we cannot guide others if we are not aware of our own faults. He also compares people to trees, explaining that a good tree produces good fruit, just as a good person speaks and acts with kindness and love. Jesus reminds us that our words and actions come from what is in our hearts, so we should focus on filling our hearts with goodness.

Reflection

This passage challenges us to think about how we treat others and whether we are being fair in our judgments. It reminds us that instead of pointing out others' mistakes, we should first work on improving ourselves. If we fill our hearts with kindness, patience, and honesty, those qualities will shine through in the way we speak and act. Just like a healthy tree produces good fruit, we can choose to be people who spread goodness in the world. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can set a positive example for others.

Why do you think Jesus tells us to focus on our own actions before judging others?
How can you "bear good fruit" in your daily life?
What are some ways to fill your heart with kindness and goodness?
Can you think of a time when you judged someone too quickly? What could you have done differently?
How can you be a good leader or role model to others while also working on improving yourself?

Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27-38

Jesus told a parable to his disciples: ‘Can one blind man guide another? Surely both will fall into a pit? The disciple is not superior to his teacher; the fully trained disciple will always be like his teacher. Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye,” when you cannot see the plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye.

‘There is no sound tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces sound fruit. For every tree can be told by its own fruit: people do not pick figs from thorns, nor gather grapes from brambles. A good man draws what is good from the store of goodness in his heart; a bad man draws what is bad from the store of badness. For a man’s words flow out of what fills his heart.’

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Help me to see my own heart clearly before I judge others. Teach me to be kind, patient, and understanding, so that my words and actions reflect Your love. Fill my heart with goodness, so I may bear good fruit and be a light to those around me. Guide me to lead with kindness and help others with a caring heart.

Amen.

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