Religious Education
GOSPEL: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
'Be careful not to parade your uprightness in public to attract attention; otherwise you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win human admiration. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. 'And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. 'When you are fasting, do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they go about looking unsightly to let people know they are fasting. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put scent on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
Reflection
Today we begin the season of Lent. Lent is a time to step back and examine our lives. Lent is a time to repent! Today is the day we receive ashes on our forehead (if we go to church)! The ashes are a symbol of the reality that we came forth from the earth and when we die, we will return to the earth. The words that accompany the offering of ashes remind us that we are “dust.” We will have an end. We will die. However, that will not be the “end” of us. We will live eternally (hopefully) with God!
Jesus’ words in this reading may give us ideas about what we might do during Lent. Jesus warns his disciples not to do good deeds simply so others will think well of them. Jesus wants his disciples to be aware of their motivation for what they do. He wants them to do what is right or good because they desire to help others, love others and make the world a better place.
Jesus is not primarily concerned about the actions of his disciples. Rather, He is concerned about their motivations. Jesus hopes their actions and decisions will flow from love of God, love of the Gospel and love for the people and the world. Love truly is all that matters!
How often do we stop and examine our motivations? It is easy to move through the day and simply go about our business. Are we concerned about others or are we too preoccupied to even notice the people around us? I believe that the majority of people in the world want to be good people. Most people do care for others and desire to help them!
However, our motivations are not always clean and pure. At times, do I choose to do something so the other person will think well of me? Do I go to church because that is truly where I want to be? Or do I attend simply because I am supposed to? When I am tired, do I ignore someone who might need some help? And if I am in a bad mood, do I take it out on another?
I assume that all of us have made some of the choices listed above at times in our lives. However, if the majority of our time and attention is focused primarily on us and our needs, it might be well to reflect on our choices. Most often the source of our happiness is in the people in our lives. Hopefully, most of the people around us bring us joy and love. Yes, there will be difficult times. However if love is present, difficulties can be worked out. And in the daily, it is their presence, love and care that is the greatest gift we receive!
Today may we be mindful of our choices and decisions. Jesus also reminds us to be aware of our motivations. Why do we make the choices we do? Do our decisions flow from care and concern for others? Or do I usually do what is best for me? We all have heard the saying: “what would Jesus do?” Today we might experience a choice or challenge as we go about our day. May we pause for a moment and thoughtfully ask ourselves: What would Jesus do? And then just be still for 60 seconds and listen for His answer! Jesus will respond! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)
SHROVE TUESDAY
Yesterday we celebrated Shrove Tuesday with a delicious pancake recess followed by our annual pancake race. I'd like to extend a huge thanks to everyone who made this event possible and also congratulate McAuley who were our pancake race champions for 2021!
Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (https://www.catholic.org/lent/ashwed.php)
Today 5/6GZ led our school in a lovely Ash Wednesday Prayer Service.
As we commence the holy season, let us turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.
PROJECT COMPASSION
Every year, countless people turn Lent into a demonstration of faith, love and generosity. You can be a part of this incredible community, who believe that there are simple actions we can all take to “be more” for our world.
Today every class received a Project Compassion Box to raise funds for those in need. Each child has also received a family box today so that we can all support Caritas in the great work that they do. We ask that you contribute any lose change you have and return your box at the end of the term.
Help make the world a fairer place for all. Let us be more!
God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator