Religious Education
Month of May: Devotion to Mary
"Mary’s faith is the fulfilment of Israel’s faith, the whole journey, the whole path of that people awaiting redemption is contained in her, and it is in this sense that she is the model of the Church’s faith, which has Christ, the incarnation of God's infinite love, as its center. How did Mary live this faith? She lived it out in the simplicity of the thousand daily tasks and worries of every mother, such as providing food, clothing, caring for the house.... It was precisely Our Lady’s normal life which served as the basis for the unique relationship and profound dialogue which unfolded between her and God, between her and her Son. Mary’s “yes,” already perfect from the start, grew until the hour of the Cross. There her motherhood opened to embrace every one of us, our lives, so as to guide us to her Son. Mary lived perpetually immersed in the mystery of God-made-man, as his first and perfect disciple, by contemplating all things in her heart in the light of the Holy Spirit, in order to understand and live out the will of God."
- Pope Francis, General Audience, 23 October 2013
Gospel Reflection
Gospel Reading
Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Unpacking the Scripture
On Pentecost we celebrate the Holy Spirit descending upon the disciples gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. The day of Pentecost is also known as ‘the birth of the Church’. We read it in our First Reading for Sunday’s mass from the book of Acts (Acts of the Apostles). This book retells the events of the disciples after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to preach the Good News with courage and live as Christ called them to.
The Gospel of John tells us about the resurrected Jesus who appeared to His disciples before the day of Pentecost and ‘breathed’ on them the power of His Holy Spirit. The Greek and Hebrew words for “spirit” can also be translated as “breath.” The spirit of God gives power - to bring peace, heal, strengthen, forgive, and to live as Jesus calls us - to be the best version of ourselves.
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you... If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven” Jesus sends his disciples with His Holy Spirit to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins which we receive in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This forgiving presence is also to be a way of life for us as followers of Jesus. In times of trouble, let us be peace-filled disciples bringing love and mercy to others.
As the students preparing for First Eucharist soon approach the Sacrament, let us pray for them and their families to be filled with the spirit of joy, peace and hope in Christ as they receive Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament.
Family Connection
Pentecost is the birthday of the Church which reminds us that it began with the command to forgive. The family is the domestic church, the place where we first learn how to forgive, to ask for it and to accept forgiveness. Easier said than done, but the gift of the Holy Spirit helps us do this. Sit quietly as a family, inviting everyone to reflect upon their need to forgive and to receive forgiveness. If there is an issue that needs attention? Spend some time reflecting and asking for God's light on how your family can heal together.
Pray
Gather together, light a candle and take a moment to be still in the presence of God. Read together John 20:19-23. Imagine Jesus speaking directly to you in this passage, standing amongst the disciples. He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us in the work of forgiveness and to bring us peace. Share with one another the Sign of Peace ("peace be with you") and pray together the Prayer to the Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.
India Mitchell-Fletcher
Religious Education Leader