After overhearing the Pharisees complaining about him spending so much time with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus told a number of parables (Luke 15:1-32). The Lost Coin is the story of a poor woman who lost one coin from her savings. She searched and searched the house, carrying on until her efforts were rewarded and she found it. The Prodigal Son told the story of a father who forgave his son the bad choices he made and welcomed him home. The Pharisees were very proud of their “goodness” and their obedience of the law. They would not associate with people they considered to be sinners and yet Jesus welcomed sinners, forgiving them and offering them a new start.

This week at Holy Spirit we value compassion, meaning sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Compassion gives us the ability to understand someone else's situation and the desire to take action to improve their lives. It is the quality that allows us to step outside of ourselves and see the circumstances of others. It supplies the will power to do what is necessary to make the world a more caring place. This week, we pray our students show compassion to those around them.

Last Thursday night, a number of our Year 6 Mini Vinnies students participated in our Homelessness Awareness Night. We were joined by Mary McAuliffe, Youth Engagement and Development Officer for the Townsville Diocese, St Vincent de Paul Society Branch. Mary shared statistics and information about Australia’s Homeless population. Throughout the night, the students participated in activities that raised awareness about the misfortune of others. One of the highlights was using cardboard boxes only to make a form of shelter that they then explained to the group. Thank you to all our families for supporting the night by donating much needed items for people in our community. Your compassion and generosity will be very much appreciated.

Tomorrow is the special feast of the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  We honour Mary as a Spirit-filled person who listened to God speaking to her.  Mary showed the fruits of the Spirit in the way she lived her life.  She can inspire us all and show us how to be patient, kind, joyful and hope-filled people so that we too can live out Jesus’ message.  

Loving God, You love us and want us to be happy.
Help us to use the gifts of the Spirit like Mary did.
May we be inspired by the qualities Mary showed and look to her as a model of kindness and goodness, patience and peace, love and joy.

We ask this prayer through Jesus, Your Son.

Amen.

Have a great week.
God bless.
Caroline Fuller