RE News with Laura Matchett

Gospel Reflection Luke 9:51-62

‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’

This week’s Gospel tells of a conversation Jesus has with three of his disciples. They pledge to follow Him but only after they attend to other things first. Jesus rebukes these disciples, and reminds them that once they have made the decision to follow Him, anyone who looks back is not yet ready for the Kingdom of God. Jesus comes across as harsh here, but really He is only asking of these disciples what He asks of Himself; an unconditional commitment to God’s work. Jesus knows the demands of discipleship, but the disciples He is speaking with do not yet understand. He is asking them to consider if this is what they want, as once they decide to make following Him the central mission of their lives, they cannot look back. 

Whilst this may seem extreme for modern day discipleship, there is a message in this Gospel about priorities. How are we prioritising our faith, our beliefs and what we truly value? In the busyness of our lives, the things that pull at our attention and time, combined with the distractions that can often make up our down time, can make ensuring that our faith, beliefs and values are a priority difficult. Our Archbishop Christopher Prowse, often says that ‘if you’re too busy to pray, then you’re too busy.’ This quote, and this Gospel, at its heart, is inviting us to examine our priorities, to reflect and ask ourselves, what is taking up our time? What is pulling our attention back and away from the ‘plough,’ and how can we find ways to look forward?

First Eucharist 2022

Congratulations to our candidates who are making their first Eucharist this coming weekend at our Parish Masses. The candidates and their families attended a reflection evening last Tuesday night to make final preparations to receive this Sacrament. Please pray for our students making their First Eucharist this weekend, and their families, as they make this next step in their faith journeys.

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal

Thank you to Mel Harding and her team of helpers for their work organising this week's Special Lunch orders to raise money for the Winter Appeal. Our next fundraiser will be our Winter Woolies Day on Thursday 30th June, where students can wear their favourite Winter Woolies (favourite jumper, hoodie or oodies) in exchange for a donation of much needed supplies for the Vinnies Night Patrol van. We welcome donations of:

• Non-perishable food
• Blankets
• Gloves
• Socks
• Jackets
• Beanies
• Sleeping bags

Donations may be brought in ahead of the day and given to your child’s classroom teacher or the front office. Your generous support of this worthy cause is very much appreciated.