Religious Education

 

Be strong, and let your heart take courage,

 all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 

Dear Parents

As part of the Year 5/6 Religion Inquiry the students are exploring the life of Jesus. They have been reading and discussing the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus taught the people the Beatitudes. 

Matthew 5:1-11

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.  Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The students were asked to reflect on the meaning of this scripture and how it relates to their life today. Some of the students responses are below:

"The purpose of this passage is that you have to be grateful for what you have and share the good things with others."

"The purpose is to that you have to put behind you whatever insults or rude comments people have said about you and be strong. That’s what true forgiveness means."

"The purpose of peacemakers is to bring peace to the world. The peacemakers are called children of God, because peace makes the world better."

"I can relate The Beatitudes 5:9 (Blessed are the Peacemakers) to my own life: We make peace at church,  when meditating and helping people. There are places like gardens, quiet places and much more where we can be peaceful."

I can relate the Beatitudes to my own life:

"If my brother got hurt I would call for help then help my brother."

"If my sister got hurt, I would attempt to help her."

"If I see someone hurt or crying on the school grounds I will ask them what’s wrong or comfort them, if they are able to walk then we could go get a teacher of needed."

"If you show kindness others will show kindness to you."

"Forgiveness means letting thing go. For example, if someone hurts you accidently, you have to accept that and move on."

During this time of Lent the Year 5/6's are using this scripture passage to help them reflect on their lives and become better Christians. I wonder what we can draw from this scripture passage. What can it mean for our lives?

Take care

Bernadette Reed

(Religious Education Leader)