This week we celebrate the 3rd of Easter

Gospel Reflection

This week we again see something of the quirky nature of the selection of readings for the Sunday lectionary. This passage from the gospel of Luke immediately follows the magnificent story of the road to Emmaus and the risen Jesus’ appearance to two disciples. Rather than hearing that story we have this account that follows; an account that is very similar to the passage of last week in which Jesus appeared to the gathered disciples and dispelled the doubts of Thomas. This week’s reading is almost identical except that it does not place the blame of doubt on just one single disciple. Why select this reading as opposed to the Emmaus story? Perhaps the decision focused on the fact that this passage shows the risen Jesus appearing to all of the disciples and not just two. 

However, what this account gives us that last week’s account from the gospel of John did not, is a powerful message about understanding scripture. In the final verses of the passage, Jesus reveals to the disciples that his presence with them is what he’d been talking about when he’d spoken about the fulfilment of the scriptures. And then, ‘He opened their minds to understand the scriptures.’ This is an important gospel indication that the scriptures are to be read for understanding and for meaning. It is an imperative that we delve into the scriptures and look for meaning rather than a surface, literal interpretation that is prominent in much of society today. When we only read the scriptures ‘literally’ i.e. accepting the exact wording as literally true, we deny the depth and breadth of the scriptural messages that are conveyed through image, metaphor, irony and other forms of figurative speech as well as ignoring the rich contextual information that is often hidden within and behind the text. Jesus’ enlightenment of the disciples makes plain the importance of ‘understanding’ scripture not just blindly accepting it. 

Scriptural context – Post-resurrection accounts 

All four gospels include post-resurrection appearances of the risen Jesus. The gospel of Mark – historically, the first written – gives the briefest account of the resurrection discovery and it is only in a later addition to the gospel that a post-resurrection account appears. However, by the time the gospel of John was written, some 20-30 years later, the theological importance of the resurrection had gained more significance as it became more obvious that Jesus’ return to the world was not going to happen within the foreseeable future. The gospel of John devotes two whole chapters to the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. 

Have you thought? Is ‘Literal’ wrong? 

Is there really something intrinsically wrong about a literal interpretation of scripture? Not at all! It is indeed an essential tool of any scriptural interpretation. It is of course important that we first and foremost understand the text as it is written – we have to have a literal understanding of the words that are used and what they mean. The problem arises when this is as far as we go. If we stop at this stage then we are shutting ourselves off from the richness of the scriptures. If we fail to dig below the surface then we are denying ourselves the opportunity of scrutinising our lives in the light of the scripture. 

Gospel Focus – Peace be with you 

When Jesus appears in the midst of the disciples, his first words to them are, ‘Peace be with you!’ His appearance among them obviously agitated the disciples who were already hiding, in fear of their lives and devastated by the loss of their leader days earlier. Jesus’ calming and reassuring words, ‘Peace be with you!’ recognise the reality of what state the disciples are in. The words demonstrate that Jesus is meeting the disciples ‘where they are’ – he recognises their distress and fear and responds with words that accept what they’re feeling but reassure them of his love and care. They are words that Jesus speaks to us too!

Greg Sunter has worked in Catholic Education (Brisbane) for many years, most recently as a member of the Religious Education team and Mission and Formation team. He has extensive experience of praying with young people and forming others to lead prayer with young people. He is the author of books on adolescent faith, is a regular speaker at youth and evangelisation conferences, and is a retreat and reflection facilitator and presenter. His areas of interest include religious education, theology, scripture, spirituality, Catholic ethos, prayer, and ministry with young people.

End of Term 1 

As we draw near to the holidays, I would like to thank the staff, students and parents for a wonderful first term. Looking back through all of our Facebook posts, you get a sense of how much goes on in a school in such a short space of time as well as the variety of faith, learning and wellbeing experiences our students encounter. I would like to thank Mrs Kath Boniface, our Kindergarten teacher, for her great work sharing these experience with you through our Facebook page.

Parent/Carer and Teacher Meetings

Thankyou all families who have booked in a time for the Parent/Teacher/Carer Interviews that will take place at the beginning of Term 2.  It will be a great opportunity for the teachers to discuss your child’s progress so far this year.

Kiama ANZAC Day March

The school has a very strong tradition of marching at the Kiama Council ANZAC day ceremony and while this year’s ANZAC Day celebration falls in the holidays, we would love as many students as possible to represent the school at the March. Students who are marching can wear their summer school uniform and we will gather outside the Council Chambers in Manning Street at around 10:00 am and then march in the parade which commences at 10:30 am. Staff will accompany students during the March and then supervise them during the ceremony at the Memorial. Parents can collect their child/ren at the completion of the ceremony. 

Pupil Free Days for 2024

Each school in the Diocese of Wollongong has been allocated eight Pupil Free Days to allow staff to focus on school improvement goals and other areas of priority. We understand that when the school is closed on these days, parents and carers make other arrangements for childcare. To assist in the planning for these days we have allocated the following days as Pupil Free Days. Our remaining Pupil Free Days coincide with the first and last day of Terms 2, 3 and 4.

Term 2

Monday 29 April 2024

Friday 5 July 2024

Term 3

Monday 22 July 2024

Friday 27 September 2024

Term 4

Monday 14 October 2024

Friday 20 December 2024

Peter Michael 

Principal