RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Gospel Reflection
We would normally hear or read the second half of this week’s Gospel as a stand alone example of generosity and faith – often without the section that immediately precedes it. Whilst the actions of the widow are certainly worthy of comment, when we read it in the context of the condemnation that immediately precedes it, the widow’s offering is placed in a different light. Jesus condemns the scribes who parade their wealth and seek trappings of earthly power and glory: being recognised and greeted as they walk the streets; taking the front seats in synagogue; and expecting to be seated in the place of honour at banquets. Whilst parading their wealth and feasting at banquets, they are also swallowing up the property of widows – taking advantage of those in need. We often hear widows and orphans named in the scriptures as those in need. Widows and orphans (and strangers in the land) are marked out for special attention in the Torah. They are named as deserving of special care – the lost and broken of society. So despite holding a special place in Jewish Law and tradition, the widows are being taken advantage of by the scribes, who are taking over their property for their own gain. One of the duties of the scribes was to administer the proper payment of Temple taxes. The treasury referred to in the passage is the Temple treasury. Rather than a great act of generosity, we can now see the widow’s payment of Temple tax as a burdensome, heart-wrenching obligation to pay the very last coins she had to a corrupt, uncaring system. We usually read praise into Jesus’ comments about the widow’s offering, but it can also be read as moral outrage at the system that demands this woman pay all that she possesses to the Temple.
Adapted from Greg Sunter
Catholic Mission Socktober
On Friday November 5th we will be holding a Socktober shootout to raise money for Catholic Mission. Students will participate in a soccer goal shoot-out competition with their class and will get to use a sock ball - a ball made from plastic bags, similar to the balls used by many children around the world.
Of, course, we will sanitise all sporting equipment used and ensure this activity is appropriately socially distanced to keep our students safe. Students will be asked to donate money to participate in the shootout, which will raise money for early childhood education for children in Thailand. Donations can be made via the Qkr App. We thank you so much, for donating to this cause.
Steps to make a donation:
- Open the Qrk app
- Select Sts Peter and Paul
- Scroll down to ‘school payments’ and select
- Click on ‘payments’
- Select Socktober Shootout
Is a weekly online child-friendly reflection of the coming Sunday’s Gospel.
Sunday 7th November 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
http://www.prayingwithchildren.org/g0pl3k3m3w1.html
Blessings,
Fron Garrett
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)
