R.E. News
Through our RE topics, during the second half of the term, the students have been learning about “Forgiveness and Healing”. One of the scripture stories they have explored is the parable of “The Forgiving Father / Prodigal Son” (Luke15: 11-24). The story, told by Jesus, tells of God’s mercy and forgiveness. The image of God that Jesus puts before us in this parable is that of an affectionate father who forgets that he has more than just cause for anger with his selfish son. Instead, the disgraced boy is welcomed with an embrace that covers his carefully rehearsed confession, and which forgives and reinstates him. The father shows understanding of the misery of both his sons, for the older son is experiencing jealousy and
feeling left out. The father waits, ready to accept instantly the first sign that his sons will
return to him, but the story is left open-ended. Will the young son stay with his father after his hunger abates and he has recovered his dignity? Will the older boy overcome his jealous rage and secret resentment of his father and enter the feast? This multi-levelled story is one of the greatest of the parables in Luke’s Gospel.
Dear God, thank you for your everlasting love and care for us. Help us as we learn to forgive ourselves when we make mistakes, and help us to ask for forgiveness and forgive those we are in relationships with. Amen
The Season of Creation
The Season of Creation started on September 1st, the first day of Spring. The season reflects upon God as Creator and celebrates the gifts of creation and the mission given to us by God to care for creation, and respond to its needs and crises today.
A Reflection for Our Earth
As you look at the photo, what do you see? What are you focusing on? The colours of the sunset? The bright yellow light? The breaking waves? The ripples in the water? Have you ever sat and watched the sunset and wondered about the beauty of our world?
Let us Pray:
Dear God, thank you for the beauty of our world past and present.
Help us to be faithful stewards of your creation for future generations to come.
We pray for the leaders of the world; help them make wise decisions to protect and care for all people;
We pray for each other – that we can continue to learn and grow;
We pray for our teachers;
We pray for our families;
We pray for those who care for the environment.
We pray for all those who are sick and those who have died;
We pray for those people who are struggling or under stress, because they have lost their jobs
We thank you God for the good times we have experienced by being at home.
We thank you for the people in our lives who we love so much and who love us.
We ask you to help those of our loved ones who are finding it hard at the moment; help them through these tough times.
We ask you to bless them and to keep them safe. Amen.
(adapted from CEM Daily Reflections)
Feast of St Matthew
(21st September)
This year most of our Sunday Gospel readings have been taken from the Gospel of St Matthew. In year 5 / 6, we have been sharing and reflecting on the stories about Jesus and the parables Jesus told as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel. So, who was St Matthew?
Matthew, the Evangelist who wrote the Gospel that appears first in the New Testament, was different from the other Apostles. He was not a popular man. Many people felt that he was unworthy to be chosen as a follower of Jesus.Matthew worked for the Romans as a tax collector. Many of the tax collectors cheated the people by charging more taxes than required and keeping the extra money for themselves. The jews considered tax collectors to be traitors.
In his Gospel, Matthew tells a story about how Jesus called him to follow him and how the Jewish people felt about tax collectors who they called “sinners” (Matthew 9:9-13). Jesus knew that Matthew was not a sinner or a cheat.
Matthew is the patron saint of bankers, because he dealt with money as a tax collector. Matthew knew that money was not important to him; what was important was believing in and living as a follower of Jesus. Matthew helps us to remember that it is our faith in Jesus that makes us truly rich.
Margaret Cronin
Religious Education Leader