Religious Education
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24
Dear Parents
Last week I mentioned that 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.
The students have been engaging in dialogue and taking time to recocontextualise this Gospel to make sense of it in their lives today.
Some more of their reflections are written below:
“I think the passage is talking about how people should always be grateful for God and be thankful for his protectiveness and kindness.”
“We should always trust God and never lose faith in him. We have to be grateful and never take things for granted.”
“We should always help others and put them before ourselves.”
“God is always looking after us and he is always on our side if we need help. God blesses us when we do good deeds for others and Jesus brings kindness to the world. Jesus puts other people first instead of himself.”
“We should never lose trust in God even when things are hard. And we should always know that God is always with us and by our side.”
“God helps everyone no matter if they’re poor or weak and they will be blessed. God protects us and keeps us safe.”
“Everyone who suffers will be rewarded for their bravery”
I also found the following reflection based around the Beatitudes that I thought you may like to reflect upon this week:
Blessed are Those
Blessed are those who seek more authentic ways of being Church in the world today.
They are my witnesses.
Blessed are those who strive to live according to my gospel rather than societal values.
They are my heralds in this land.
Blessed are those who seek humility and act with integrity as the Church mission is redefined and the call to partnership is needed.
They are my stewards.
Blessed are those who strive to live in communion in their endeavours to build community.
They are my people.
Blessed are those whose hearts are bent on serving rather than being served.
They are my true servants.
Blessed are those whose ministry is healing and reconciliation in a fragile and broken world
They are my peacemakers.
Blessed are those who struggle for justice within oppressive structures
They are my prophets in today’s world.
Blessed are those in whose hearts my law is written
They are my friends.
Blessed are those who journey with hope in the presence and action of God in this world.
They are my light.
Take Care
Bernadette Reed