First Sunday of Lent, Cycle B
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Gospel Reading
Mark 1:12-15
Jesus is tempted in the desert by Satan.
Background on the Gospel Reading
On the first Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading in each Lectionary cycle is about Jesus’ temptation in the desert. This event in the life of Jesus is reported in each of the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—but it is not found in John’s Gospel. This year we read Mark’s account of this event.
Compared to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the details throughout Mark’s narrative are sparse. This is evident in Mark’s account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Mark tells us only that Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit and that for 40 days he was tempted by Satan. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke explain that Jesus fasted while in the desert, that Satan presented him with three temptations, and that Jesus refused each one, quoting Scripture. Only the Gospels of Matthew and Mark report that angels ministered to Jesus at the end of his time in the desert.
In each of the Synoptic Gospels, the temptation of Jesus follows his baptism by John the Baptist. In Mark’s Gospel, we are told that Jesus went into the desert immediately after his baptism, led by the Spirit. Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee begins after his temptation in the desert. Mark’s Gospel makes a connection between the arrest of John the Baptist and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus’ preaching about the Kingdom of God is in continuity with the preaching of John the Baptist, but it is also something new. As Jesus announces it, the Kingdom of God is beginning; the time of the fulfillment of God’s promises is here.
The fact that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert is significant. This recalls the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert after being led from slavery in Egypt. The prophet Elijah also journeyed in the desert for 40days and nights, making his way to Horeb, the mountain of God, where he was also attended to by an angel of the Lord. Remembering the significance of these events, we also set aside 40 days for the season of Lent.
In Mark’s Gospel, the desert marks beginning of Jesus’ battle with Satan; the ultimate test will be in Jesus’ final hours on the cross. In a similar way, our Lenten observances are only a beginning, a preparation for and a reinforcement of our ongoing struggle to resist the temptations we face in our lives. During Lent, we are led by the Holy Spirit to remember the vows of Baptism in which we promised to reject sin and to follow Jesus. Just as Jesus was ministered to by the angels, God also supports us in our struggle against sin and temptation. We succeed because Jesus conquered sin once and for all in his saving death on the cross.
Lost property
This continues to be a frustration for all concerned. Could we please ask you to make sure everything is named so we can return it to its owner. Each Team has a container for lost property to go into and some items do turn up elsewhere. The teachers and staff are working hard to return all named items regularly.
A-Typical parents coffee group
Coffee group for parents with special needs children, 9am to 11am last Thursday of the month in Term time. The meeting dates for the first half of the year are: Thursday 25 February, 25 March, 27 May, 24 June. For further information email: Mary-Jane: mj.merrick.dutoit@gmail.com
Reconciliation
This is a Sacrament instituted by Jesus in his love and mercy to offer us forgiveness for the times we have sinned and turned away from God. At the same time, we are reconciled with the Church because it is also wounded by our sins.
Every time we sin, we hurt ourselves, other people and God. In Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins before God and the Church. We express our sorrow in a meaningful way, receive the forgiveness of Christ and his Church, make reparation for what we have done, and resolve to do better in the future.
Baptism
All ages and year levels. If you are considering your child/children being Baptised into the Catholic faith, we are now beginning preparation for Baptism of school-aged children at the school.
As a parish school, we are able to offer students classes during the school day. The required parent preparation for your child’s Baptism will be done through the parish.
If you would like to find out more information about the lessons and preparation please contact Mrs Teresa Rush. trush@stmarystga.school.nz
Parish dates for 2021 Parent Baptism courses:
3rd March, 5th May, 7th July, 1st September, 3rd November from 7pm to 9pm at St Mary Immaculate Church. Please contact the Parish office to enrol.
Celebration Hui
Last weeks celebration Hui was led by Aroha. Aroha shared their swimming sports day, watch their video on our Facebook page here. Whakapono, Maramatanga and Tika shared their learning for the last few weeks. The Communication Ambassadors, Liturgical Leaders, Peer Mediators, STEM Leaders, Environmental Leaders, Dynamos and Librarians were also introduced to the school.
Fuse Drumming
We are taking Junior Fuse enrollments now. Class to start in March. Get in quick before our spaces fill up. For more info, please check out our website: www.fusedrumming.co.nz or jump on facebook to check out our videos. Fuse on Facebook or call Carl Homersham 020 4000 5008
https://www.facebook.com/fusedrumming/videos/?ref=page_internal
Contact Us
Email: office@stmarystga.school.nz
Website: https://www.stmarystga.school.nz/
Location: 11 Thirteenth Avenue, Tauranga South, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 578 8066
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmarystga/
