Catholic Identity
Reflection
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today we hear how the Spirit of God dwells in all of us, helping us in our weakness. The first disciples had Jesus to explain the parables; we have the Spirit to enlighten us. It is the Spirit who helps us to interpret the teaching of Jesus and to be receptive to the challenges that they pose.
The presence of sinners in the kingdom of God is often a stumbling block to good people. There will be a time for separation and judgment, but the time is not now. This means that the righteous will have to live with the sinner and, even more challengingly, show them the same kind of concern that they show to others. The presence of sinners does not necessarily erode the quality of the kingdom. Rather, it provides disciples an opportunity to rise to the occasion of generosity and forgiveness.
There are two images of judgment in the readings. The one in the gospel is terrifying and decisive. The wicked are bound together into bundles and readied for burning. We must remember that this is a parable. In the first reading and in the psalm response the justice of God is said to be lenient, clement and kind. The power of God is demonstrated not in retribution but in mercy. God is said to be ‘merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in kindness and fidelity’, and repentance is a very real possibility. This is the image that gives us hope.
© Dianne Bergant CSA
General News
Our whole school community will be celebrating Grandparents Day and the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, with a Mass at St Mel’s Christ the King Church Wednesday 26th July. During the Mass students from Foundation to Year 2 will be presenting the communion reflection. To assist in their presentation, we invite F-2 parents to send a photo of your student with their grandparent. This photo will be part of a display during the Mass and may appear in our school newsletter and media. Please email your photos to your students class or pastoral group teacher by Friday July 21. We look forward to seeing you at the Mass.
Day: Wednesday 26th July
Time: 12.00 midday
Location: St. Mel's Christ the King Church, 18 Hamilton Street Shepparton.
Uniform: Students are to wear their full school winter uniform for the Mass.
- Elizabeth Holligan, Religious Education Leader