Next Sunday is the 3^rd Sunday of Easter. This Sunday's gospel comes from the gospel of Luke, when Jesus appears to the disciples. Reflecting on this Gospel passage, Pope Francis draws our attention to the three key verbs: look, touch, and eat.  

‘To look is not only to see,’ the Pope points out, adding that ‘it is more; it also involves intention, will.’ When Jesus asks the disciples to look at his hands and feet, therefore, he is not only offering visual proof of identity. Rather, Jesus is inviting his disciples to look at his wounded limbs as ‘a first step against indifference, against the temptation to look the other way before the difficulties and sufferings of others.’ Jesus’ wounds are still present for those with the courage to look at them. 

Similarly, Jesus’ invitation to the disciples to confirm his presence by touch has a teaching element too. ‘By inviting the disciples to touch him,’ the Pope suggests, ‘Jesus indicates to them and to us that the relationship with him and with our brothers and sisters cannot remain “at a distance”.’ Having seen the wounds, we must be close to the wounded.  

Finally, by eating with his disciples Jesus again did more than prove he was physically present at that specific moment. As the Pope points out, ‘eating, when we do so together, among family or friends … becomes an expression of love, and expression of communion.’  

Once again, the Gospel suggests Jesus’ action had a deeper meaning about Jesus’ continuing presence among his followers. As St Augustine said of the Eucharist, we become what we consume, which means something truly amazing: The Risen Jesus still eats with us! - Nick Brodie 2024. 

Project Compassion

Thank you all for your generosity during our Project Compassion appeal. We are thrilled to share that through your contributions we have raised $1264. This will support the work of Caritas in a purposeful way to live our call of missionary service!

Sacramental enrolment

A final reminder that if you wish to have your child participate in any of the Parish Sacramental programs this year, you will need to enrol them via the South Tuggeranong Parish Qkr by the end of this week. The Confirmation program starts in Week 1 of Term 2. 

Confirmation

Confirmation Parent Formation Sessions are in Week 1 of next term, Wednesday 1^st May from 7pm or Thursday 2^nd May from 5:30pm. It is a requirement that you attend one session if your child is enrolled in the program. If this is an issue, please let myself or Anne Gowen know to find a time to conduct a makeup session. 

ANZAC Day Liturgy

We will be holding our ANZAC Day liturgy on Friday of Week 1 next term. All parents and carers are warmly welcome to join us for this. Time will be advised as we return to school. 

After a busy term, I wish you and your family a restful break! 

Mrs Rachel Kennedy

Religious Education Coordinator