Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Gospel Reading
Matthew 5:17–37
I have not come to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfil them.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Matthew continues the Sermon on the Mount with a three part instruction by Jesus on the Way of Life in the kingdom of heaven. Today’s reading is part one and deals with the Law. Part two deals with worship and religious practice and contains the Lord’s Prayer. Part three deals with trusting God and deeds of loving service to our neighbour.
When Matthew speaks of “the Law and the prophets” he means the whole Scripture. When the Messiah brings the fullness of the kingdom none of scripture will be done away with. Instead it will be fulfilled. Matthew’s Jesus does not overturn the Law of Moses, nor does he set his followers free from the Law. He requires his followers to go beyond the Law by doing more than the Law requires.
The Law condemned murder. Jesus condemns anger. The Law condemned adultery. Jesus condemns even lustful looks. As Jewish Christians who had always been faithful to the Law Matthew’s community need a way to understand the difference Jesus and the kingdom he brings have made. They affirmed that God had always been at work in history through “the Law and the prophets.” But God’s work goes beyond that to be embodied by the Messiah who reveals the definitive will of God. The written scriptures and their interpretation in tradition are surpassed by Jesus whose life and teaching are the definitive revelation of the will of God.
Engaging Communities
Ash Wednesday
Lent
Atrium
The Atrium is a place of prayer, meditation, quiet and peace - it is the ‘holy ground’ where Christ is encountered. It is a designated space with specially chosen resources based on the two pillars of the Church - Scripture and Liturgy. It is a spiritual experience for both the adults and the children. Within the Atrium we recognise that the only teacher is Christ - the catechist is seen as a facilitator rather than teacher. Christ instructs both the child and adult through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Each lesson or presentation is planned, yet not too scripted in order to allow for the Holy Spirit to guide the adult’s work.
Unless you change and you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”
(Matthew 18:3)
Our atrium is being temporarily moved to Room 3, until the room is needed for a New Entrant class. We are looking at alternative locations for our atrium, either in a purpose built container or mobile unit. If you have any other creative ideas, please feel free to let us know. We also welcome any further support from our community such as making resources and/or volunteering time to spend time in the atrium with our children.
Thank you for your continued support.
God Bless
Fay Warnock
Director of Religious Studies/Deputy Principal
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