Religious Education
GOSPEL: Luke 13:22-30
Through towns and villages he went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem. Someone said to him, 'Sir, will there be only a few saved?' He said to them, 'Try your hardest to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed. 'Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself standing outside knocking on the door, saying, "Lord, open to us," but he will answer, "I do not know where you come from." Then you will start saying, "We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets," but he will reply, "I do not know where you come from; away from me, all evil doers!" 'Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrown out. And people from east and west, from north and south, will come and sit down at the feast in the kingdom of God. 'Look, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.'
REFLECTION
This week, the Gospel begins with someone in the crowd asking Jesus if only select people will be saved. In differing situations, we might hear conversations or homilies about being saved. Ask yourself: do you worry about “being saved?” If so, what is the source of your anxiety? What does it stem from? Does it come from not being perfect? Or do you worry about some choices you made in the past that were not good for you or for the people you love?
As we all know, no human being is perfect, including each one of us. The good news is that Jesus gives us many more chances than we deserve. Jesus is the most loving and forgiving person who ever walked on the face of this earth. He understands our humanity and frailty. Jesus knows that at times we will hurt others, berate ourselves, make poor choices and we even may turn away from Him for a time. Yet, Jesus continues to love us! He never stops inviting us to “come home.”
Jesus doesn’t expect us to be perfect; He simply wants us to come to him as we are. Do we trust Jesus’ love for us? Jesus is waiting for us! Will we open our hearts to Him today? If we do so, we will receive a great gift! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)
On Friday we will celebrate Father's Day at 9am in the PAC with a special Father's Day Prayer Service which has been prepared for us by 4SS. This will be followed by a look at dads through the ages in 5/6WZ's assembly item. Again we welcome all members of our community, especially fathers and grandfathers, to join us for this celebration.
FATHER'S DAY
Sunday the 1st September is Father's Day. As with many special occasions we celebrate today, Father’s Day began as a primarily religious observance. A traditional Catholic holiday celebrating fatherhood, Father’s Day has been recognised in some way dating back to the Middle Ages. Traditionally, Father’s Day took place on March 19, which is the date the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph.
Although it took some time for Father’s Day to be recognised as an official celebration, it is now cherished for millions of people around the world. Now that you know the history of Father’s Day, you are invites to plan a celebration that will honor the fathers in your lives.
Most dads can look forward this Sunday to a host of gestures and gifts from their children, including the perennial favourites such as pancakes for breakfast, socks, ties, and aftershave, just to name a few.
However you celebrate, we thank God for our wonderful fathers and in doing so, remember our special father in heaven also. We hope you have a wonderful Father's Day!
Adapted from http://www.123dentist.com/the-history-of-fathers-day/
God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator