Education in Faith

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

The Narrow Door and the Expansive Kingdom

In this Sunday's readings we are challenged with a profound paradox: the narrow door to salvation and the expansive nature of God's kingdom.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks of a "narrow door," urging us to "strive to enter." This can feel intimidating, as if salvation is a difficult task reserved for a few. Jesus is not suggesting that God is exclusive or that the path is an impossible one. Rather, the "narrow door" represents the intentionality required of a disciple. 

It is about a commitment to living a life aligned with the Gospel a life of love, service, and justice rather than a passive or half-hearted faith. It requires us to shed our worldly attachments and pride, which cannot fit through the narrow opening.

The readings from Isaiah and Hebrews provide a broader context that softens the perceived harshness of the Gospel. 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 contrast to any notion of a select few. The "narrow door" isn't about God excluding people, but about humanity's choice 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, likening it to a parent who corrects their child. The hardships and challenges we face are not punishments but opportunities for spiritual growth, leading to "the peaceful fruit of righteousness." This perspective 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 abiding 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 do you think this "narrow door" represents in our lives today? 
• What are some things we might have to "shed" to get through it?
• A Universal God: Isaiah speaks of God gathering people from "all the nations." 
• How does this vision of a global, inclusive kingdom help us understand Jesus's words about the "narrow door"?
• God's Discipline: The Letter to the Hebrews says God "disciplines those he loves." 
• Can you think of a time when a challenge or struggle in your life ultimately led to personal or spiritual growth? 
• How can we see difficulties as opportunities rather than punishments?
• 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 for us today? 
• Who do we see as "first" in our world, and how might that change in God's eyes?

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 3 will receive First Eucharist in Term 2 on Saturday, 21st June 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.

Dear Parents,

As this is a Jubilee Year, our Confirmation will be held at the Cathedral, making the celebration even more special. To help cover the additional costs, we kindly ask for a $10 levy per student.

Please send the payment to the school office in an envelope with your child’s name and Home group.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

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

News from the Parish 

Parish Family Movie Night 

Bring your whole family for a night of fun and fellowship. 

When: Thursday, 28th August 

Where: St Kevin’s School Hall At: 7 pm 

 Please bring a plate to share.

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?? 

MONDAY ACTION TEAM - MINI VINNIES

Monday Mini Vinnies continued to work on the Soup & Chat Night, developing an itinerary, reading responses from guest speakers, writing up introductions and thank yous for our guest speakers and deciding which activities they are going to run on the night from the activities they participated in last week that the Vinnies Youth Engagement Team ran with them.

Students attending the SVDP School Conference Networking Event next week continued to work and practise their presentation.

MINI VINNIES SOUP & CHAT NIGHT

Not long to go now! The Mini Vinnies Soup & Chat Night will run next week on Tuesday August 26th from 4.30 pm – 7.30 pm. Students can go home after school, change into casual clothes and have a snack before returning to begin at 4.30 pm

Thank you to the Mini Vinnies that have already handed in their donations for the evening. I am asking Mini Vinnies to ask family and friends for donations. These donations are due by Monday August 27th and I have asked each Mini Vinnie to donate at least $10 but the more we collect, the more we can help. Donations are to be placed in an envelope, clearly labelled Soup & Chat Night with the student’s name and Home Group. These can then be placed in their LS mailbox. On the Soup and Chat Evening, Mini Vinnies will decide what organisation the money raised is donated to, in order to assist those that maybe experiencing homelessness at the moment. Last year it was donated to Ozanam House, the previous year to the Vinnies Soup Vans. 

A big thank you to parents who are able to help on the night, setting up, serving and cleaning up and to all the parents who have offered to make soup and donate items. We wouldn’t be able to run this night without your assistance.

A big thank you also to the staff who have already volunteered to stay behind and assist on the evening.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au