RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Gospel Reflection
Jn 2:13-2
Scriptural context
This episode of outrage in the Temple is recorded in all four of the Gospels. Interestingly, the three synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke place the event in the final days leading to Passion events while the Gospel of John places the event in the very early days of Jesus’ public ministry. While the three synoptics are likely to be more chronologically correct, the Gospel of John uses the event very deliberately to make the point that Jesus is the new Temple – the new focus of God’s presence in the world; the Word made flesh.
Historical Context
In Jewish tradition, the Temple marked the point of physical connection between God and humankind and between the past and the present. It was where God’s story and humanity’s story met. However, in the year 70 C.E. – some 40 years after Jesus – the Temple was destroyed by the Romans. The Gospel of John is written another 20+ years later and so the reality of the Temple’s destruction is still trying to be absorbed by the people. It was a very powerful image for the Gospel writer to suggest that Jesus was the new Temple – the new point of connection.
Different View – Just like Jesus
This gospel passage must be one of the most commonly misused passages in the Bible. So often it is used as justification for someone losing their temper, or worse, an outrageous temper tantrum, or ‘dummy spit’. People will declare in their defence, ‘Well, Jesus lost his temper and got angry in the Temple!’ They fail to appreciate the difference between their own hot-headedness and the outrage against injustice that was being expressed by Jesus. They also seem to miss the significance of the fact that this was a ‘one off’ for Jesus!
From Greg Sunter
Project Compassion
The Season of Lent marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. Each year we raise student awareness of people around the world who need support and encourage giving to this cause. Your child can take donations to school at any time throughout Lent and place it in the donation box in their class.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Please pray for our students who are preparing to make the Sacrament of First Reconciliation
7th March – Third Sunday of Lent Year B
https://www.prayingwithchildren.org/c4ntst06.html
Praying with Children is an online resource that is designed for families with children to use at home.
It includes an extract from the Sunday gospel, along with some reflection questions, family activities and a short video to watch.
Students participating in Friday Prayer
Blessings,
Fron Garrett
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)
Upcoming Events
Week 5: Friday 5th March- Journey With Jesus Year 5/6 Youth Ministry Retreat.
Week 6: Sat 13th/Sunday 14th March- Reconciliation Presentation Mass
Week 7 Friday March 19th Reconciliation Retreat Day at Holy Trinity Primary for all Year 3 Students