Religious Education
Term 1 Week 6
Project Compassion
As mentioned in a previous issue and at our school Assemby, this Lent our whole school is demonstrating almsgiving through Cartias Australia's Project Compassion. So far we have raised over $150 as shown on our poster displayed in the school hallway. That's enough money to support a whole family with a sanitary toilet in Malawi to prevent the spread of disease during their rainy months and cyclone season!
A special thanks to our social justice leaders in each class who have been collecting our money for counting each week and reminding their peers that even a few cents and dollars can go a long way. When we give alms we are serving the poor, following in Jesus' footsteps and putting into action “love your neighbour as yourself” (Matt 22:39).
Laetare Sunday
The fourth Sunday of Lent is sometimes called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” Even as we observe our Lenten sacrifices, we rejoice in anticipation of the joy that will be ours at Easter! At mass we see the purple colours (a symbol of penance) have been replaced with pink, giving a vibrant feel to the celebration of the mass. It is also a day where we take a break from our Lenten fast and disicplines. May you have a blessed Laetare Sunday this week.
Gospel Reflection
Gospel Reading
Jesus converses with Nicodemus
Unpacking the Scriptures
The Gospel of John we read this Sunday is the story of the Jesus speaking with Nicodemus. There are many themes in this passage of light and darkness, belief and unbelief, good and evil, salvation and condemnation. Let us touch on a few key points.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a Jewish preist and authority figure who approaches Jesus at night. He does so as not to be seen as the Pharisees were against Jesus and his preaching, believing him to a blaspheemer and troublemaker hanging with those on the fringes of society and challenging their authority.
Nicodemus however had faith, acknowledging that Jesus was sent by God and wanted to follow him and know more. We too can be like Nicodemus in our journey of faith, full of questions wanting to understand who God is and what that means for our lives in how we follow him. Throughout their conversaiton Nicodemus misunderstands Jesus, but doesn't show any hostility, only more wondering. Sometimes the answers we get in life take time to digest, to meditate upon and fully comprehend.
Jesus refers to a story in the Old Testament to explain to Nicodemus about the salvation that is to come. When the people of Israel turned against God, serpents were sent to punish them for their complaints. Moses spoke on the people's behalf to God when they repented and God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and mount it on a wooden staff. All who had been bitten and then looked upon the bronze serpent were cured. Jesus alludes to his resurrection, when he will be lifted up onto wood that all will receive salvation through him.
Finally, the metaphor of light. Jesus explains he is the light that has come into the world, although many prefer darkness. Naturally we can want to keep our darkness hidden, even from God out of fear, pride or shame. Jesus' light reveal our sins hidden in the dark but so they may be forgiven. This is the Good News; that we have a God of love and mercy - it is the reason for our rejoicing in this season of Lent and throughout our lives on the journey to our heavenly home.
Family Connection
Many children are afraid of the dark, and naturally so, some of us even carry that fear into adulthood. It is the unknown, the empty space, the lack of light that we cower from. God made us to live in the light of his love. Unfortunately this original friendship with God was darkened by sin - whether pride, anger, jealousy, mistrust, etc., anything that ruins our loving relationship with God and one another. We know that in our families we can say unkind words that darkens our relationship and makes us feel distant from one another. Our sins can cause us to shy away and feel distant from God, but we can take courage that he loves us because he took upon the consequences of our sin when he died for us so that we may rise with him.
Pray
Sit for a moment in the dark and quiet, then light a candle. Discuss what it felt like to be in the darkness compared to the feelings when the candle was lit. Read together John 3:14-21 and give thanks for God's love for us that we are saved:
Loving Father,
You made us Your children and called us to walk in the Light of Christ. Free us from any darkness in our lives and keep us in the Light of Your love. Jesus has scattered the darkness of hatred and sin. Called to that Light, we ask for Your guidance. Form our life in Your Truth, our hearts in Your merciful love. Through the Holy Eucharist, give us the power of Your Grace that we may walk in the Light of Jesus and serve Him faithfully.
Amen.
God bless,
India Mitchell-Fletcher
Religious Education Leader