RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Sunday Gospel: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew 22:34-40
Like last week’s gospel, we again have an example of the Pharisees seeking to ‘catch Jesus out’ in His interpretation of scripture. The Pharisees were regarded as the great interpreters of the Torah – the Law. To them, ALL the commandments were vitally important, not just the Ten Commandments given to Moses with which we are perhaps most familiar, but the 613 mitzvot (commandments) contained within the Torah – the first five books of the Bible. These 613 mitzvot governed all aspects of Jewish life. For the Pharisees to ask Jesus about the ‘greatest’ commandment was a blatant challenge to Him. Perhaps they expected Jesus to name one commandment and then they could challenge Him with a whole series of ‘What about …?’ questions.
Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees highlights their preoccupation with the particulars of the Law contained within scripture. In their over-emphasis on the details of religious observance, they have forgotten about the most basic element of faith: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. Jesus reminds them that being faithful to God isn’t about following precise rules but rather it is simply about loving God. With this one sentence, Jesus undermines the power position of the Pharisees. If the Law is as simple as ‘Love God’, what need is there of Pharisees to interpret the details of the Law? Having pulled the rug out from under them, Jesus follows up with His reminder that the second most important commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself. This is a call to compassion and justice that Jesus practised freely but was sadly lacking in the religious authorities of His time.
(Gospel Reflection by Greg Sunter)
Grandparents' Day
As mentioned last week, due to the continuing restrictions in place we will be unable to celebrate Grandparent’s Day in the usual way. Instead, this week, the children will work to create gifts or artworks that can be given to their Grandparents or special friends, as a memento to mark the role that these people play in their lives.
Sacrament of First Eucharist
Last night was the Parent Information Night for First Eucharist. Thank you so much to the parents who were able to Zoom in, and to all those who have already registered. To all parents who may have missed the registration, please ensure you attend to this as soon as possible, as I will be handing out the workbooks to all registered families on Friday (cut off for this will be Thursday C.O.B. so we can get the books from the Parish office for you.)
To enrol online:
Access or download the Qkr! app.
Tap on ‘North Woden Transfiguration Parish’
Tap Sacrament of First Eucharist (second option)
Complete the form and make your online payment. ($40).
Home groups are also being established now, please use the link below to place yourself and your child into a Home group:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1x-B_Dgkud5IlolbLpeGkLKIf7vdBNhXGp-DejSBA8Bw/edit?usp=sharing
Children’s Liturgy is on this weekend!
Children’s Liturgy runs on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month during term time. Below is a timetable with the dates for Term 4. Children’s liturgy occurs during the 9:30am Sunday Mass at Holy Trinity, Curtin. This Sunday, Children’s Liturgy will be facilitated by our Parish Youth Ministers, Grace and Maddie.
Sunday 25th October
Sunday 8th November
Sunday 22nd November
Sunday 13th December
God bless,
Stephanie Burns
Religious Education Coordinator
