Sunday Gospel Reflection: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - The Narrow Door  Luke 13:22-30

One of the most important and deep-seated questions humans ask is, ‘Will I be saved?’ This is expressed in other ways, like ‘Is heaven real? How will I enter it?’ In fact, almost all religions speak of offering salvation. 

Who will be saved? Through parabolic teaching, Jesus, in today’s Gospel, warns those who think that entry into the kingdom is through ‘ascription’, that is, the assignment of status through kinship ties. The Jews may be the chosen people, children of Abraham, but their salvation is far from assured. Jesus’ parable of the Narrow Door emphasises that entry into the kingdom is based not on ascription but on performance. The authentic response to Jesus’ teaching entails both hearing and doing. The true disciple is one who hears the word of God and puts it into practice, bearing the fruit of repentance and good deeds. 

To the question of whether only a few will be saved, Jesus pictures a multitude ‘from east and west, from north and south’ reclining at the banquet in God’s kingdom. Luke refers to the ingathering of the Jews from the diaspora in the eschatological times (Isaiah 43:5,Zecheriahh 8:7) and adds the ingathering of the Gentiles to stress the theme of universalism. The coming of the Gentiles is not a rejection of the Jews. But Jesus disabuses the Jews, especially their religious leaders of the idea that they can rely on their status as children of the kingdom. Salvation is God’s gift freely given to the Israelites, and now to the Gentiles. The Jews should welcome the kingdom with gratitude and humility, and not as something due them because of their ties with Abraham. 

From God’s Word, Daily Reflections, 2025

EUCHARIST RETREAT DAY

On Tuesday Year 5 will be travelling to Holy Family Church to participate in a day of prayer and reflection around the Sacrament of Eucharist. All Year 5 children attend regardless if they are receveing the Sacrament or not. We will have the Youth Ministry Team from St MaryMackillopp College with us during the day as we delve into the meaning of the Sacrament and how we can live it's message past the church walls.

Please continue to pray for our year 5 children who will soon be receiving this special sacrament at the weekend Parish Masses. 

GRADE MASSES

Throughout the year our classes attend Mass with the Parish in our 'little white church' on a Wednesday morning at 9:30am. Once each class has attended Mass, we then attend mass as a whole grade. Parents have enquired as to whether they can come along to attend mass with their child and the answer is a resounding YES! We would love for you to come and celebrate Mass with our children. The roster for the rest of the term is as follows:

I will post Term 4 roster at the beginning of next term.

Have a great week.

Shareee Thomas

RECC