Religious Education
Mother's Day
Thank you to all Mothers and special friends that joined us for our Mother's day celebration on Tuesday morning for treats, tours of the classroom and whole school mass. I hope that you have a blessed Mother's Day filled with love this weekend.
Gospel Reflection
Gospel Reading - Feast of the Ascension
Jesus is taken to heaven, and the disciples go to preach as Jesus commanded.
Unpacking the Scripture
In this Sunday's Gospel of Mark, we hear the story of Jesus' Ascension, a great feast day in our Church, reminding us that one day we too will ascend into heaven because of Jesus. The event occurs on the 40th day of Easter (remember the number 40 appearing throughout the Old and New Testmanent is a symbol of trial, journey, testing). The resurrected Jesus has spent 40 days visiting his followers to reveal to them the great mystery of his resurrection.
Jesus now knows the disciples are ready to go on mission and he can take his place in heaven. With the power of the Holy Spirit which he promises to send (and fulfills 10 days later on the day of Pentecost), he sends his disciples to preach, heal and banish evil spirits. At the center of their mission he commands the disciples to "go out all the world telling the Good News". We know the Good News (also known as Gospel) is that Jesus is God who came to live among us to show us the path to heaven, who died for our sins and rose so that we can rise with him.
Like the disciples, we can follow Jesus and spread his message of love and mercy to all those we meet. When we are baptised, we are taking on the same mission Jesus gave to his disciples at his ascension. It may seem like a big task but we’re not alone, Jesus always sent his disciples in pairs and groups and He gives us the Holy Spirit to be with us always. We’re not alone on this journey. We have the Church which is often referred to as the body of Christ. Many parts make one and we can turn to one another, to Christ our King, Mary our Mother, Joseph our protector, and all the saints that have gone before us, leading the way. Let that give us joy on this great feast day. Remember, “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Family Connection
As we grow, we know we are able to do more things independently, but every now and then, we require a little extra assistance from someone who has more knowledge or authority than we do. We turn to those we love first when we are in need of help. This is one of the things we remember as we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension and can help us think about the assistance that we receive from Jesus. We know the best way to reach communion with God and gain strength and wisdom from him is through daily prayer and frequent reception of the Sacraments (graces given to us by the Holy Spirit).
Pray
Gather together, light a candle and take a moment to be still in the presence of God. Read together Mark 16:15-20. Imagine Jesus speaking directly to you in this passage. It is your mission to go out into the world spreading the Good News. Note that Jesus tells us that he sits at a place of honour in his kingdom and continues to help us from this place. Take comfort knowing what a powerful ally we have in Heaven to help us. Pray together the Apostles Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
India Mitchell-Fletcher
Religious Education Leader