Term 2 Week 12
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22-27 April
EASTER TIME |
Sunday
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Fourth Sunday of Easter
John 10:11-18 The Gospel tells that a good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. Essentially, a good shepherd will do whatever his sheep need in order to be safe and secure. What does the image of Jesus as a good shepherd say to me today? Am I like a good shepherd to anyone? What is my image of Jesus? Spend some time in stillness and silence on this image you are creating in your imagination. Teacher Background |
Monday
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Ways to Encounter Jesus
In this Easter season there are many different ways to encounter Jesus. Today, try encountering Jesus through Journal writing as a script. Write what you want to say to Jesus. Sound a chime / prayer bell to begin. Write what you think Jesus wants to say to you in response. Keep going without stopping to think about it – just write whatever comes. After a few minutes of non-stop writing sound a chime / prayer bell. Read what you have written. Is there anything else you want to add now? What is the last thing you think Jesus wants to say to you today? (This can be a very powerful way to pray as the script unfolds naturally, often revealing the deepest issues of our hearts.) Prayer Script Example Me: Jesus, today I want to talk with you about something I'm worried about. Jesus: Please tell me. You know I'm here to listen and to help you. Me: I'm actually so worried about this I haven't told anyone. Jesus: It's okay – you know you can trust me. Me: I'm really worried that... |
Tuesday
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Where do we see the grace of God?
In the first reading today we find the story of Barnabas, who goes to Antioch and saw the grace of God. Look around our school, our homes, our community, our world today. Where do we see the grace of God? Prayer Activity Find or create pictures / images of people spreading love, joy, peace, forgiveness and respect in our world (anything that shows the grace of God at work in people today). Around the collage write prayers of thanksgiving for people who bring hope, joy and love into our world. OR Write a letter to God about your family or someone special in the world, who bring hope, joy, love and peace into your life. Give the letter to the person, to show how much their actions reveal the grace of God, and how much that person means to you. OR Your class might prepare a prayer for ANZAC DAY |
Wednesday
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ANZAC DAY
Pray a Litany of Remembrance. In the morning and the evening, we will remember them All: We will remember them In life’s comings and goings, we will remember them All: We will remember them In the tears and the memories, we will remember them. All: We will remember them In the stories and the letters, we will remember them. All: We will remember them In the photos and the tributes, we will remember them. All: We will remember them In the silence and the stillness, we will remember them All: We will remember them |
Thursday
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Walking Prayer
In the Gospel today we read the words, "I know those whom I have chosen". Walking Prayer Conduct a walking prayer, to reflect on these words. What has God chosen you for? Walk mindfully in silence, paying attention to anything you notice that reminds you of the presence of God. A spider's web; a leaf changing colour; a new bud appearing on a bush; tiny ants working together; the cloud formation in the sky – anything that speaks of something beyond what human beings are capable of creating or doing. All creation has a purpose. There is beauty, energy and life all around, with a unique person. What has God chosen you for? What does God want to say to you today through the environment you are in? |
Friday
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Easter brings the new Journey
In the first reading today we find Paul is talking in the synagogue about how Jesus appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. The resurrection stories of Jesus tell us that love does not end. Death is not the end, but the start of a new journey, surrounded in God's love and energy. Indigenous people today will sometimes speak of their experience of knowing the presence of a loved one was still with them, and this offers insights into the resurrection for those of us who have never been fortunate to have that experience. However, faith calls people to believe, whether this has been their personal experience or not. Light a tea light candle for each person we have loved, who has passed away. Spend some time in stillness and silence imagining their presence still with you, even though you cannot see it or feel it. Imagine the presence of Jesus right there with you, even though you cannot see it or feel it. Imagine these people being surrounded in love, forevermore. Follow this with.... Praying the Sign of the Cross Talk about the difference between a crucifix and a cross. The crucifix has the body of Jesus on it. The cross has no body and symbolises the Risen Christ. Talk about the symbolism of the cross.
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