Education in Faith

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

The Narrow Door and the Expansive Kingdom

This Sunday's readings present us with a profound truth: the narrow door to salvation is meant for all of us. At first, Jesus’s words in the Gospel of Luke can feel intimidating, as if the path is difficult and reserved for only a few. He says we must "strive to enter through the narrow gate." This is not about God being exclusive; it is about the intentionality required of a disciple. It is a call to actively choose a life of love, justice, and service, rather than a passive faith. The narrow door represents the effort it takes to let go of our pride, selfishness, and worldly attachments, which simply won't fit through the opening.

The readings from Isaiah and Hebrews give us a wider perspective that helps us understand this message. Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of a future where God gathers people from "all the nations," welcoming them into His presence. This vision of a universal, inclusive kingdom stands in direct contrast to any notion of an exclusive club. The narrow door is not about God excluding people, but about us choosing to accept or reject the path of discipleship.

The Letter to the Hebrews further clarifies the journey of faith. It describes God’s "discipline" as a loving act, similar to a parent correcting a child. The challenges and hardships we face are not punishments but opportunities for spiritual growth, leading to "the peaceful fruit of righteousness." 

This reminds us that our struggles are part of God's plan to refine and strengthen us, preparing us for the kingdom.

Ultimately, the readings call us to a deep and committed faith. While the door is narrow in the sense that it requires genuine conversion, the kingdom it leads to is vast and open to all who strive to enter. It's a journey of intentional living, guided by God's loving discipline, toward a home with people from every nation.

Discussion Starters

The Narrow Door: Jesus says, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate.

" What are some things in our lives today that might make the gate feel narrow? What can we do to make a conscious effort to walk through it?

A Universal God: The prophet Isaiah says God will gather people from "all the nations." How does this idea help us understand that God's love is for everyone, not just a few?

God's Discipline: The Letter to the Hebrews talks about God's discipline. Can you think of a time when a difficult challenge in your life helped you grow into a better person?

First and Last: The Gospel ends with the line, "Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last." What might this mean in our lives and in our world today?

Sacramental Dates for 2025

Parents please check the following dates:

• Grade 2 will receive First Reconciliation in Term 4 on Thursday, 20th November 2025.
• Grade 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 6th September 2025.
•  

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

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

The total House points for each House:

 Bosco is still in the lead!!    Well done Bosco!!    Will they still be winning next week?? 

MINI VINNIES SOUP & CHAT NIGHT

What a fantastic night we had on Tuesday! We delved deeper into the issue of homelessness and then had guest speakers coming to tell us about how their group helps those struggling at the moment. 

Anna from the Lynbrook Community Centre explained how the they assist those struggling and homeless. Sumith and Marg from our Hampton Park Conference came and explained how the Hampton Park Conference assists those who maybe struggling at the moment. Walter who volunteers at the Dandenong Tutoring Program explained what they do to assist students for their education and Louisa from the Greater Dandenong Young Vinnies came and spoke about how they try and provide children from struggling families with experiences that they might otherwise not have. Mini Vinnies were astounded when they discovered that most of these people volunteer and give up their time to help others. We would like to thank all these people for giving up their time to come and enrich our evening, providing the Mini Vinnies with a deeper understanding of the way in which people are assisted within our community.

Then, thanks to all the Mini Vinnie parents and SFS staff, the students enjoyed a meal similar to what is served on the Vinnies Soupvans. We had parents donating a variety of items for the night such as bread, margarine, spoons, bowls…. Other parents made the delicious soup we enjoyed for dinner and many parents and SFS staff were busy setting up and packing up while we were involved in our activities. Thank you to all these people. It would be impossible to run this night without all the parent and staff support.

We would also like to thank Coles in Lynbrook who provided us with fruit and margarine for the evening. I would like to thank Erin who organised the donation on behalf of Coles.

Mini Vinnies were very focussed on the night, listening intently and becoming involved with all the activities. One of our guest speakers, Walter from the Dandenong Tutoring Program said to me after, “I found it to be a wonderful experience. I was most impressed by the intense focus and concentration of the kids as I scanned the room looking at them in the eye. You have a marvellous set of kids there signalling a healthy future for SVDP.” I am so proud of the Mini Vinnies and the maturity they displayed during the evening.

As a group they decided that the money we raised on the evening will be donated to the Dandenong Tutoring Program. They would like the money to be used to give the students there an experience that they might not otherwise have. Further details will be provided as we collaborate with the Dandenong Tutoring Program. I would ask parents that if your child has not yet donated, if they could do so by next week so that we know how much our total will be.

Mini Vinnies also decided on some new actions they would like to take before the end of the year. We will share these with you as we begin planning.

SVDP SCHOOL CONFERENCE NETWORKING EVENT

Yesterday I took eight representatives of the Mini Vinnies to the SVDP Networking Event at Genazzano College in Kew. They were involved in a variety of activities with Mini Vinnies from other schools and then presented our Winter Appeal Action to the other schools. I was very proud of the Mini Vinnies I took. 

They did a great job with the presentation and then answering questions. They also came back to school with lots of new ideas that they heard from other schools and will be sharing these with the rest of the Mini Vinnies.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au