Education in Faith

Third Sunday in Lent - Year A

In this week’s Gospel we read of the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. The woman came to the well to draw water for herself. Her encounter with Jesus is a moment of transformation for her. At first, she fails to comprehend his reference to ‘living water’ and never being thirsty again. However, in the end ‘the woman put down her water jar and hurried back to the town.’ Leaving her water jar behind was a sign of the transformation that had taken place within her. She had indeed drunk of the living water of Jesus and no longer paid attention to the need for water that had brought her to the well.

When Jesus asks the woman for a drink, he breaks two cultural taboos: firstly, for a man to speak directly to an unchaperoned woman which was somewhat shameful; secondly, as the woman points out, Jesus is a Jew and directly addresses a Samaritan – another scandal. Jesus successfully gains the woman’s attention by ignoring these social taboos but she fails to fully understand his reference to ‘living water’.

The reference to the woman’s five husbands has often been interpreted to suggest that she was either an outcast or a serial widow. However, it may in fact be a reference to the Samaritans binding themselves to the five books of the Torah and ignoring the writings of the prophets and other later writings. This reference is followed by another fact that set Jews and Samaritans apart: the Samaritans worshipped God on a local mountain, whilst the Jews held that true worship could only take place in Jerusalem. Jesus dismisses this major difference between Jews and Samaritans by declaring that soon ‘true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth’. He is indicating the much more personal relationship with God that he models; not bound up by ritual, place and law.

Having set the scene for breaking down the walls between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus then reveals to the woman explicitly that he is the promised Messiah. The woman rushes back to the town to spread the good news about Jesus. She becomes a missionary for him; and a remarkably effective one. The people are convinced by her testimony and flock to Jesus where they have their own personal faith encounter with him.

Living the Gospel – Personal encounter

The Samaritan woman’s personal encounter with Jesus compels her to start spreading the good news about the amazing man she has met. She meets Jesus face to face and feels compelled to act on what she has felt. Lent is a time for each of us to again – or for the first time – seek out a face to face encounter with Jesus. Through prayer, contemplation on scripture or reflection on encountering Jesus in the face of others, we build a one to one relationship with Jesus. When we acknowledge this relationship, like the Samaritan woman, we are compelled to act on it

Historical Context – Jews and Samaritans

Samaritans descended from one of the tribes of Israel. They held faithful to the first place for the worship of God even when the prophet Elijah declared a new place for worship. In the 7th and 8th Centuries BCE, the Assyrians descended on the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. The Samaritans in the north assimilated with the Assyrians, whilst the Jews were taken into exile in Babylon. When the Jews returned from exile, the Samaritans offered to assist in the reconstruction of the Temple. This infuriated the Jews and led to centuries of distrust and animosity.

Discussion Starters

Can you think of some ways that we use water?

What would it be like if you had little or no water?

Jesus says that he will give us water that gives life. When are we filled with this life? (when we gather to pray, are kind to others etc)

Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman who many people did not like. Are there times when we don’t want to talk to someone because we do not like them?

Jesus shows us how to treat others. How can we treat others with kindness and pray for Jesus to be with us this week?

Sacramental News and Dates

Sacrament Levy

There is a $25 Sacrament Levy to cover the cost for:

•  a guest speaker to conduct a Parent and Child Workshop for each Sacrament.
• professionally made stoles for ALL 3 Sacraments. 
• a candle for children receiving reconciliation.
• children receiving First Eucharist and Confirmation to travel to St. Kevin’s Church for Reconciliation, Eucharist practice by bus.

This levy needs to be paid in full to the school in an envelope clearly indicating your child’s name, Home Group and name of Sacrament being received at the start of the year, before or on the day of your Family Workshop Session.

God Bless

Rozeta Ambrose

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD

This week through Project Compassion we learnt about Tereesa, a Gamilaroi woman from Western Sydney who struggled with homelessness while raising her four children. At just 16 years old, she had to leave school after falling pregnant with her first child. A single mother struggling with homelessness, Tereesa’s only concern was finding stability for her children.   

Seeking a better future for her family, Tereesa joined Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia. Baabayn helped Tereesa access housing and psychological support. Through Baabayn, Tereesa was also able to hear stories from Indigenous Elders and reconnect with her culture. 

Today, Tereesa is studying a certificate in Community Services so that she can strengthen her skills and give back to her community. Tereesa now works at Baabayn, providing support to young mothers and mentoring the next generation of young people. 

Watch a short film about Tereesa’s story here.

Each Learning Space and the Office has Project Compassion boxes decorated in the House colours. We are encouraging students and parents to donate to Caritas through their House box. Families that would like to take a project compassion box home can collect one from the office. They will need to be returned in the last week of school with your child’s house name on it if you would like the money you collect to go towards your child’s house points. 

This week Mini Vinnies counted the money in the Project Compassion Boxes. The total amount donated by each House was:

                                                1st                           Patrick                  $73.50

                                                2nd                          Bosco                    $41.40

                                                3rd                           MacKillop            $18.40

                                                4th                           Teresa                  $17.50

The total collected so far is $150.80. Thank you to everyone. Another update will be provided next week and the Monday amounts will be added to the Community Spirit award points.

Our Community Spirit Award Competition updates for last week, which includes house points and Caritas money donated:

                        1st                    Teresa              594

                        2nd                   Patrick             590                  

                        3rd                    MacKillop       532                  

                        4th                    Bosco              480

Well done to Teresa!!! Let’s see who is leading next week.  

Giuliana