Education in Faith
3rd Sunday of Advent - Year A
Gaudete Sunday
This week is the third Sunday of advent, we celebrate it as Gaudete Sunday, a word that means “Rejoice!”The Church invites us to pause in the middle of Advent and notice the joy that is already breaking into our world, even before Christmas arrives.
In the First Reading, Isaiah gives a powerful and hopeful vision: deserts blooming with flowers, the weak strengthened, the fearful encouraged, and the blind, deaf, and lame restored.This is a picture of what God’s kingdom looks like life where there was once dryness, healing where there was once suffering, and joy replacing sorrow.Advent is our time to look for these “flowers in the desert” in our own lives. Where is God already bringing new life?
In the Second Reading, James encourages us to be patient like a farmer who waits for rain, trusting that the harvest will come.Advent reminds us that waiting is not passive; it is hopeful, watchful, and trusting.We prepare our hearts for Christ not by rushing, but by being steady, gentle, and faithful in daily actions of love.
And in the Gospel according to Matthew, John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing uncertainty, sends messengers to ask Jesus:“Are you the one who is to come?”
Jesus does not reply with a simple “yes.”Instead, He says: Look at what is happening.
The blind see
The lame walk
Lepers are cleansed
The deaf hear
The dead are raised
The poor receive good news
Jesus points to the evidence of God’s presence signs that the prophecy from Isaiah is being fulfilled.
This reminds us that God often reveals Himself through actions, not just words.Sometimes we look for God in big, dramatic moments, but the Gospel invites us to look for Him in everyday signs of compassion, healing, forgiveness, and generosity.
Advent joy is not about pretending everything is perfect.It is about recognising that even in hard or uncertain times like John in prison Christ is near, God is at work, and hope is still alive.
Gaudete Sunday whispers to us:Joy is coming. Christ is close. Look again you will see Him.
Discussion Starters
- Where have you seen “flowers in the desert” this Advent—small signs of hope or new life?
- How do you respond to times of waiting or uncertainty, like John the Baptist experienced?
- What signs of God’s presence can you notice in the world around you?
- What does true Christian joy look like to you?
- Where might God be calling you to bring hope or healing this week?
- What makes Gaudete Sunday special?
- Where have you seen kindness or goodness happen this week?
- How can we be like Isaiah’s message—helping bring joy and hope to others?
- What does Jesus do in the Gospel that shows He brings love and healing?
- What is one joyful thing you can do for someone this Advent?
- Why do you think John the Baptist questioned Jesus? What does this teach us about faith and doubt?
- How do you notice God at work in the world today?
- What does patient, hopeful waiting look like in your life?
- Why does Jesus point to actions rather than giving a direct answer?
- How can you bring “Advent joy” into your home, friendships, or 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 so far:
1st | BOSCO | 5 513 |
2nd | PATRICK | 5 381 |
3rd | TERESA | 4 895 |
4th | MACKILLOP | 4 359 |
Impressive BOSCO has taken the lead again !! Well done Bosco!! ONLY 1 WEEK TO GO TO GET POINTS.
SFS CHRISTMAS APPEAL, 2026
HOME GROUP CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
All items for the Home Group Christmas Hamper were due yesterday. Mini Vinnies have started to collect and wrap the hampers ready for the Hampton Park SVDP Society to pick them up on Tuesday. If your child has not brought in an item you can still hand them into your Home Group teacher on Monday. Monday however will be the last day.
SFS GIVING TREES
All presents should have been returned to one of the Christmas Trees in the Learning Spaces. Mini Vinnies have started to collect them and allocate House points. We will have them ready for when the Cranbourne SVDP Conference collects them on Tuesday. I will also be taking three of them to some children on our Vinnies Soupvan Run. If you have not returned your present, you can still do so on Monday. But that will be the last opportunity. Please leave them at the office with Vivienne.
We thank the SFS Community. Our Christmas Appeal is always so successful and we help so many families. Christmas is a time for families to celebrate and with your assistance we will ensure many families are able to celebrate Christmas! Thank you for giving!
AND NOW FROM THE MINI VINNIES…
Giuliana
Mini Vinnies Facilitator