Gospel Reading

34th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Gospel Reading
John 18:33b-37 Jesus is questioned by Pilate about the charge brought against him that he is “King of the Jews.”

Background on the Gospel Reading

This Sunday is the last one in the Church year, and we celebrate Christ the King. It's a special day when we think about what it means to call Jesus "King."

In the Gospel of John, we see a story where Pilate questions Jesus. Pilate wants to know if Jesus is really a king, and the Jewish leaders accuse Jesus of being a troublemaker who wants to start a rebellion. Pilate, however, doesn’t really seem to care about this argument. He doesn't want to get involved in their religious disagreements.

When Jesus talks to Pilate, he says that his kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. Jesus isn’t the kind of king people might expect. His kingdom is not about power, riches, or fighting battles like the kings on earth. Instead, Jesus' kingdom is about truth and love. If his kingdom were like the world’s kingdoms, his followers would be fighting to protect him. But Jesus' mission is different.

Throughout the Gospel of John, we see that Jesus came to bring light into the world, but many people prefer the darkness and don’t recognise him. Jesus also talks a lot about truth, and he says that those who know the truth will see him as king.

So, on this special day, we are invited to see with the eyes of faith. Even though Jesus' kingship was hidden from many people at the time, we know that through his death on the cross, he is truly our King and Savior.

Family Connection

The feast of Christ the King might be a little hard to understand because most of us don’t have kings or queens in our lives. But we know that royalty has power over their kingdoms. People show respect and loyalty to them. To understand how Jesus is our King, we can think about the best qualities of a human king and then imagine how much greater Jesus' kingship is. His kingdom is not just for one place or time, but for all people, everywhere, and forever. Jesus shows his kingship through his death on the cross, where he offers salvation to everyone. Those who have faith in him can see that he is our true King.

As a family, talk about what it means to be a king or queen. How do people act toward royalty? You could even role-play what it’s like to be in the presence of royalty. Then, read today’s Gospel from John 18:33b-37. Afterward, discuss these questions:

• Does Pilate treat Jesus like royalty? (No.)
• What does Jesus say about his kingdom? (It is not of this world.)

Talk about how your family shows respect and obedience to Jesus, our King. End by praying together with the Lord’s Prayer, asking God to help your family live in ways that show you recognise and honour Christ as King.

Crazy Sock Day Wrap-Up 

Thank you so much for your generous donations to Catholic Missions during Crazy Sock Day! The students had a blast showing off their fun and creative socks, and your support made it all the more meaningful.

The funds raised will go a long way in helping vulnerable children facing violence, poverty, and a lack of resources. Your kindness and commitment to this cause will make a real difference in their lives.

We are grateful for your continued support!

Year 2 Forgiveness Retreat 

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Youth Ministry Team, led by Maddie, for organising and leading a beautiful retreat for our Year 2 students. The retreat theme was thoughtfully connected to their current Religious Education learning, and the students engaged with it deeply. Their reverence, enthusiasm, and active participation made it a truly special experience.

The students wrote some deeply insightful reflections on Jesus and his healing ministry, demonstrating their growing understanding and connection to their faith. We are grateful for the team’s dedication in creating such a meaningful and impactful retreat.

Advent Prayer Celebration

A big thank you to our Year 2 classes and their teachers, who will be leading us in a thoughtful and inspiring prayer celebration focused on the theme of Advent, using the Gospel of John. As we approach the last Sunday in Ordinary Time and prepare for the new liturgical year, the prayer celebration will help us pause and reflect on the true meaning of this season.

Advent is a time for reflection, renewal, and preparation as we open our hearts to welcome the birth of Jesus. Year 2 has prepared a prayer celebration that is a beautiful reminder of the hope and joy that Advent brings. Thank you for guiding us in this meaningful time of prayer and preparation.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal 

Thank you for your generous donations to our annual St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal. We are already seeing many thoughtful contributions, and we are truly grateful for your kindness.

These donations will directly support 15 families in our local St. Vincent de Paul Conference who are facing difficult times this Christmas season. Each class has been assigned a family to collect donations for, ensuring they can share in the joy and festivities of Christmas and bring some holiday cheer to their households.

Your generosity is making a real difference, and we appreciate your continued support in helping others this Christmas.