Sunday
22nd OCTOBER
29th Sunday
​in ordinary time
29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 
Matthew 22: 15-21 
​Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality.
Gospel Reflection
Teacher Background
More on Moral Living

Monday
23rd OCTOBER
Use Green in your Prayer Space this week.
​​Saint John of Capistrano
St. John of Capistrano was born at Capistrano, Italy in 1385. He studied law at the University of Perugia and practiced as a lawyer in the courts of Naples. King Ladislas of Naples appointed him governor of Perugia. During a war with a neighbouring town he was betrayed and imprisoned. Upon his release he entered the Franciscan community at Perugia in 1416. After his ordination he travelled throughout Italy and beyond preaching penance and establishing numerous communities of Franciscan renewal. When invited to become a monk, St John said: “It is not something I would have thought to do, but if it is God’s will, I will do it”.
Today, have students ask God in prayer: “Abba God, what do you want me to do in the name of Jesus today?” In stillness and silence, for two minutes, they think about one thing they can do today to be the face of Jesus to people around them.  And like St John, be prepared to say      ”Yes” to what God asks of them.

Tuesday
24th october
In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus spoke of modelling good behaviours through actions. Have students share during prayer, behaviours and actions that are “God-like”: what did Jesus do and say to model for us the things (ways) of God?
Read the Fruit of the Spirit from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians: (5: 22-23; 25)
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
Students can then pray for the help to be like Jesus in their lives, and so giving to God what is God’s.  e.g. Help me not to be judgemental today, but to accept people for what they are.”

Wednesday
25th october
Lead students through a meditative prayer practice named for your year level in the P-12 Religion Curriculum. If appropriate, use symbols and images to help them to remain still and silent: e.g. Light a candle; play soft music; find a quiet green space to pray. Ordinary Time is about living the Christian life day to day. At the end of meditation, have students think of one thing they could do today to be the face of Christ to others and share it with the group if appropriate.​

Thursday
26th october
Praying the News
​Either bring a news item, or have students share items of news they have heard of this week. Model a prayer of intercession or petition for one of the events and then invite students to use that same formula to add their prayers for people and the world; e.g. We pray for the people of Syria, who daily suffer bombardment and terror. That leaders of the world will act quickly to relieve their suffering. Lord hear us....

Friday
27th october
 Tomorrow is the feast day of Saints Simon and Jude.
Saints Simon and Jude are traditionally known as two of the twelve apostles called by Jesus. Jude was known as a “brother” of Jesus and one of the letters of the New Testament is named for him, but it is unlikely that he is its author. St Jude is also known as the saint to pray for intercession with God when faced with a hopeless situation. Simon was named the Zealot for his rigid adherence to the Jewish and Canaanite law. Western tradition it is believed that he preached in Egypt and then travelled with St. Jude, where both were killed rather than deny their faith in Jesus. Today in your prayer, reflect on what that might mean for followers of Jesus today. This would not mean death for adhering to one's faith but it would take an enormous commitment and strength in the face of adversities. End your two minutes silent reflection with the well-known prayer of people who seek strength:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.