THE PARABLES OF JOY

Last Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 13:44-52 talks about the Kingdom of God. Jesus told his disciples stories of the Kingdom through three parables: The Parable of the Hidden treasure; The Parable of the Pearl and the Parable of the Drag Net.

These parables are known as the parables of joy.

44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

45“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl are both parables of discovery, joy, and action. The merchant is actively looking for pearls, while the other man just stumbles onto treasure in a field. Both men, however, recognize the overwhelming value of their discovery, and sell everything so that they might buy it. They are overwhelmed with the joy of discovery and the prospect of possessing such treasure. They are like the disciples, who left everything to follow Jesus.

Jesus’ message to all of us through this Gospel story, is to value the “treasure” we have today… not the physical treasure that can be lost or taken away, but the “treasure” that is the love of our families and friends and the caring community that we strive to be. May we always be reminded to find the “treasure” in our lives each day. In that way, we are truly blessed.

GDAY CELEBRATIONS
Each year, we celebrate GDAY on the Friday before Father’s Day. It is a time to recognise the “Great People” in the students’ lives, such as their grandparents or carers. This year, due to COVID 19 restrictions, we will not be able to have our “Great People” onsite, however we have plans underway, to create an online celebration, that all the students families can watch.

Last week, I asked if you could email photos of the children’s grandparents or great people. The photo can either be the grandparents by themselves or with the children/family. It is very important that we get these photos by the end of Week 3. Thank you to the families who have already sent these to us. We need many more photos though.

FAMILY WALL
Our School Family wall in the office, is really looking great, and we have had such lovely compliments by visitors, especially our new Kinder families, as well as our students. It is a special way to showcase our St Michael’s community. If you still haven’t sent in a photo, it is not too late to do so. Please email it to our office or else, send in a photo and we can scan it and return it to you.

“OLDEN DAY” CLOTHES
Just a reminder that the children will be dressing up in “olden day” clothes as part of our celebrations for Mary MacKillop Feast day on Friday 7^th August (Week 3). Please do not go to any expense with this. Our school was built in 1891, so clothes similar to what the children would have worn then, would be appropriate. Just items that you would already have at home.

Here are a couple of photos of what school children have worn on these types of dress up days in the past.

Have a wonderful week everyone,
Take care and God Bless
Katrina West