Education in Faith

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

Theme: Forgiveness and Mercy

The readings for this Sunday invite us to reflect on one of the most important and yet sometimes most difficult teachings of Jesus: forgiveness.

The First Reading from Sirach reminds us that when we hold onto anger, resentment and grudges, we can become trapped by the hurt that has been caused. Sirach encourages us to forgive others because we too need forgiveness. Each of us makes mistakes and needs God's mercy. It is difficult to ask God to forgive us if we are unwilling to forgive those who have hurt us.

The Responsorial Psalm reminds us of what God is like: 

“The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.” 

God does not keep a record of all the things we have done wrong. Instead, 

God patiently welcomes us back, gives us another chance and invites us to begin again. When we experience God's mercy, we are called to show that same mercy to others.

In the Second Reading, St Paul reminds us that we belong to the Lord. Our lives are therefore not just about ourselves. The way we speak, act and respond to others should reflect the love of Christ. When we choose forgiveness instead of revenge, kindness instead of anger and reconciliation instead of resentment, we show others that we belong to Jesus.

In today's Gospel, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how often must I forgive?” Peter probably thinks that forgiving someone seven times is already very generous. Jesus responds, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus is not asking us to keep counting how many times we forgive. He is teaching us that forgiveness should not have a limit.

Jesus then tells the story of a servant whose enormous debt is completely forgiven by his master. Yet, when another person owes him a much smaller amount, he refuses to forgive. Through this story, Jesus reminds us how generously God forgives us and challenges us to extend that same forgiveness to others.

Forgiveness does not mean pretending that someone has not hurt us or saying that wrong behaviour is acceptable. Sometimes forgiveness takes time, prayer and courage. It means choosing not to allow anger and resentment to control our hearts. It means placing our hurt in God's hands and allowing Him to bring healing.

Perhaps today we can ask ourselves: 

Is there someone I am finding difficult to forgive? 

Am I holding onto something that is preventing me from experiencing peace? 

Have I said sorry when I have hurt someone? 

Am I willing to give others the same second chances that God gives me?

The message of this week's readings is simple but powerful: God is merciful towards us, and Jesus calls us to be merciful towards one another. When we forgive, we allow God's love to work through us. We become people who bring peace, healing and reconciliation to our families, classrooms, friendships and communities.

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for your endless mercy, forgiveness and compassion. You are always kind and patient with us, giving us the grace to begin again.

 Help us to forgive others as you forgive us. When we are hurt, angry or disappointed, give us generous and patient hearts that can let go of resentment and hurt. Help us to have the courage to say sorry when we have done wrong and the humility to accept forgiveness when it is offered. 

May we share your love by bringing peace, kindness, forgiveness and reconciliation to those around us.  

Amen.

Discussion Starters

• Why can forgiveness sometimes be difficult?
• What does it mean to forgive someone without saying that what they did was okay?
• Why do you think Jesus tells us to forgive again and again?
• How does it feel when someone gives you another chance?
• What can we do when we are finding it difficult to forgive someone?
• How can we show God's mercy and forgiveness to others this week?
• Why do you think forgiveness can sometimes be difficult?
• What is the difference between forgiving someone and saying that what they did was okay?
• Why do you think Jesus told Peter to forgive “seventy-seven times”?
• Have you ever experienced the relief that comes from forgiving someone? What happened?
• Why is it sometimes easier to ask God to forgive us than it is to forgive someone else?
• The Psalm says that God is “slow to anger and rich in compassion.” What could we do to become more like this?
• What happens inside our hearts when we hold onto anger or resentment?
• Is there someone you need to forgive, or someone from whom you need to ask forgiveness?
• How can forgiveness make our classroom, family, parish or community a more peaceful place?
• What is one small act of forgiveness you could practise this week?

A take-away Message

God has forgiven us with a generous and compassionate heart. Jesus asks us to share that same mercy with others. Forgiveness is not about forgetting or excusing hurt; it is about choosing love over resentment and allowing God to bring healing to our hearts.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your endless mercy and forgiveness. Help us to let go of anger, resentment and hurt. Give us generous hearts that are willing to forgive, just as you forgive us. Help us to bring peace, kindness and reconciliation to those around us. Amen.

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.

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

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

Taking Your Prayers with Me on Pilgrimage

Please feel free to write your prayer and place it in a sealed envelope at the Front Office.

Please submit your intentions by Thursday, 17 September 2026. It would be a privilege to carry the prayers of our students, families and staff with me and remember them in prayer as we visit sacred places connected with the early Church, the Apostles and the journeys of St Paul.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose ~ Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

MINI VINNIES ACTION – THE 2ND CHANCE APPEAL

Already I have delivered 2 car loads of items from our 2nd Chance Appeal to the Vinnies Op Shop in Dandenong. 

We will continue our 2nd Chance appeal until the end of term. Make sure items are placed in your house coloured basket and Mini Vinnies will give points for the donated items. Please make sure that all donated items are in good condition. It’s important we donate with dignity. We should only donate items we would be willing to use ourselves.

Today we once again collected items and our total for each House:

These points have also been added to our Community Spirit totals.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Total House points so far:

MINI VINNIES SOUP & CHAT NIGHT

Today Mini Vinnies were busy putting together rough sleeper packs that we will give to the Vinnies Soupvans at the assembly next term in Week 3. They put a total of 36 rough sleeper packs that will be given out to people who are homeless in the wider community. The items in the rough sleeper packs were purchased from the money they raised for the Soup & Chat Night.

MINI VINNIES CONFERENCE TERM 3 – Wednesday September 16th 

The ten Conference Mini Vinnies practised their news report about their chosen action which was the Soup & Chat Night. I was very impressed with their oral presentation skills. They spoke fluently, with expression and conviction. I am sure they will do a great job on Wednesday. Here is a taste of their presentation.

Students attending will need to wear their winter school uniform and bring a bag with their water bottle and snack. Lunch will be provided. We will leave at 9.00am and return to school at approximately 3.15pm. If we are running late parents will be notified via the app.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au