Education in Faith

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

‘Choosing the Way That Leads to Life’

The reading and Gospel passage for this Sunday remind us that our faith is not lived out only in church, but most clearly in our homes and relationships. God speaks to families today about the daily choices we make in our words, attitudes, and actions that either build up love or slowly tear it down.

In the first reading from Sirach, we are told that God places before us life and death, good and evil, and invites us to choose. This is not a threat, but a sign of trust. God respects our freedom and believes we are capable of choosing what leads to life. Families experience this reality every day. Each conversation, disagreement, or moment of stress becomes a chance to choose patience over anger, honesty over convenience, and forgiveness over holding grudges. Parents teach this not only by what they say, but by what they model.

Jesus takes this teaching deeper in the Gospel. He explains that following God is not only about avoiding obvious wrongdoing. It is about what happens inside our hearts. Anger, harsh words, dishonesty, and resentment can wound others just as deeply as physical actions. Anyone who lives in a family knows how true this is. Words spoken in frustration can linger, while acts of forgiveness can heal for years.

Jesus is not asking families to be perfect. He is inviting us to be honest to notice what is growing in our hearts and to bring it to God. When anger rises, Jesus asks us to pause. When relationships are strained, He invites reconciliation. When we fall short, He offers mercy and the grace to begin again.

In the second reading, Saint Paul reminds us that God’s wisdom is different from the world’s wisdom. God’s wisdom values humility over pride, reconciliation over being right, and love over control. Families are the first place where this wisdom is learned and practiced — often imperfectly, but meaningfully. Children learn what forgiveness looks like by watching their parents. Parents grow in patience by walking with their children through challenges.

As a family,let us reflect:

• What kind of home are we choosing to build?
• Are our words helping one another grow?
• Do we know how to apologize and forgive?
• How do we respond when anger or hurt arises?

Even young children can reflect on these questions in simple ways. They can think about how kind words feel, or what helps when someone is upset, why Jesus cares so much about the heart, and how emotions like anger or resentment can affect relationships at home. Adults, too, are invited to reflect on how our own responses shape the emotional and spiritual climate of the family.

The hope in today’s readings is clear: God walks with us in our choosing. He does not abandon us when we fail. Every day offers a new opportunity to choose love again in small gestures, patient listening, and honest conversations.

May our families continue to grow into places where God’s wisdom is lived, where hearts are formed in love, and where choosing life becomes a daily practice.

Family Prayer

Loving God,You place before us the way of life and love.Help our family choose kindness in our words, patience in our struggles, and forgiveness when we fall short.Create in us hearts that reflect Your love, so our home may be a place of peace and grace.  Amen.

Discussion Starters 

• What are some good choices we can make at home that make everyone feel loved?
• How do our words make others feel happy or sad?
• What can we do when we feel angry instead of saying something hurtful?
• Jesus talks about what’s in our hearts. Why do you think that matters more than just “following rules”?
• How can anger or dishonesty affect a family, even if no one gets physically hurt?
• What’s one way you can choose love or kindness this week at home?
• How do we model forgiveness and patience for our children?
• Are there habits in our family communication that need healing?
• How can we create a home where mistakes lead to growth, not fear?

Sacramental Dates for 2026

Parents please be aware of the following dates and note them in your calendar:

• Grade 2 will receive First Reconciliation in Term 4 on Thursday, 19th November 2026.
• Grade 3 will receive First Eucharist in Term 2 on Saturday, 13th June 2026.
• Grade 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 29th  August 2026.

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

Eucharist: baptised Catholics in Year 3 or who have celebrated their Reconciliation.

Confirmation: Year 6 Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist.

If you have any further questions regarding your child receiving these Sacraments, please feel free to contact me at the school.

God Bless,

Rozeta Ambrose ~ Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

PROJECCT COMPASSION

In preparation for the beginning of Lent next week on Ash Wednesday, today Mini Vinnies were busily putting together and placing ribbons on the Project Compassion Boxes. Each Learning Space now has 4 Project Compassion Boxes, one for each House. We encourage students and families to donate to their House Project Compassion box.

Families can also take a project compassion box home if they wish. These can be collected from the office but we ask that parents please collect them and they must be returned by Week 9. If you would like the money collected to go towards your child’s House, please write the name of the House on the box.

We hope that SFS students and families will give generously this Lenten Season as we ‘Unite against poverty.’

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Staff have been giving students points for demonstrating community spirit which includes our PBL Values. The points for each House at the end of Week 3:

Well done Patrick again! However, it’s only early days and as we begin our donations for Project Compassion, these will also be included in the weekly points.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au