Education in Faith
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B
The bread I shall give is my flesh for the life of the world
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus talks more about how he is the bread of life, but the crowds that follow and listen to him find it hard to believe because they know his father Joseph, and his mother Mary. Even though people have listened to Jesus speak and have seen him perform miracles, they cannot believe that God could act through someone they know.
The Gospel begins with a report that the Jews complained about Jesus’ identity. Jesus said, “I am the living bread, which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever, and the bread I give is my flesh for the life of the world.”
The crowds could not comprehend what Jesus meant when he said that he came down from heaven. He responds by saying that only those who are chosen by God will recognize him as the one that God sent.
Last Sunday, the crowds asked for a sign that would show that Jesus came from God. Jesus replied by saying that he is the sign and the bread of life sent by God to do the Father’s will. He promises that those who look upon the Son with faith will find eternal life.
Jesus talks more about his unity with the Father. He is the one who has seen the Father and, therefore, knows the Father. Those who listen to God will recognize that Jesus is the one sent from God. Those who believe will have eternal life. He promises that the bread of life will bring eternal life to those who partake of it, and he tells us that the bread of life will be his own flesh, given for the life of the world.
We also hear Jesus say, that he is the bread of life and he is the living bread. Both of these statements help us understand better the gift that Jesus gives us in the Eucharist. We celebrate this gift of Jesus each time we gather for Mass. We believe that receiving Jesus in the Eucharist will lead us to eternal life.
The good news today is that Christ draws us to himself every day through the Eucharistic in order to nourish and strengthen us for our journey. He is the living bread that satisfies our spiritual hunger. He equally fills us with his spirit who directs us on the right path on our journey. So God is saying to us, “arise, eat, drink,” and continue our journey with a new hope, a zeal and a new spirit.
Discussion Starters
Something I have a hard time believing is . . .
I think it is easy to believe something is true when . . .
One thing I believe about our family is . . .
One thing I believe about God is . . .
Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for the love you show by sending your Son Jesus to lead us to you. Help us to listen to you and to show our faith in all that we do. Amen.
Sacramental News
First Eucharist
On Sunday, 1st August 55, students received the Sacrament of Eucharist at St. Kevin’s Church. This was an auspicious moment to witness our children take their next step in their faith journey. The students represented our school with utter respect and reverence as they prepared themselves to receive Jesus in their hearts for the very first time in their lives.
The readers read with confidence and independence and participated by responding to the Word of God, singing, praying and taking up the offertory gifts to the altar.
We thank all the families, staff and Fr. Desmond and Fr. Anil for their immense support with preparing our children with receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
Thank you
Our SFS community would like to say a huge thank you to the Legion of Mary Group from St. Kevin’s Parish. They prepared individual packs with special prayers, a medal and rosary for our children as a memento of receiving their First Eucharist. We appreciate their time and effort with the preparation of these packs. God Bless them for their kind gesture.
Sacrament Levy
Please remember to pay your sacramental levy of $15.
Place this amount in an envelope marked “Sacramental Levy – Eucharist” with your child’s name and HomeGroup.
The envelope can be handed in at the school office or in the ‘mail box’ in each space.
Confirmation
| Grade 6 |
Confirmation Family Workshop: Tuesday August 31st 7 pm at SFS.
Confirmation Reflection Day Tuesday, October 5th at St. Kevin’s with Rev Brendan Hayes
Sacrament of Confirmation October, Friday 15th at St. Kevin’s Church at 7 pm |
God Bless
Rozeta Ambrose