The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level II
January 5, 2010 - Level 2, Issue 07 |
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| Dear CGS Level II Parent |
Welcome back to Atrium after what we hope was a joyful holiday break. In Atrium, as in the Church, we are still within the Christmas season and still have white as the liturgical color of our prayer table. We remain in the Christmas season until we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus this coming Sunday, January 10th.
The Level II children will hear proclaimed an infancy narrative entitled "Presentation in the Temple." This presentation can help our children remain within the celebration of the Christmas season. Peace,
The Level II catechist team:
Jane Ott and Liza Bloomer on Tuesdays
Megan Wallenfang, Vanessa Hernandez, and
AmyMcCue on Wednesday
Barb McHugh and Myrna Gomez on Thursdays
and Jane Ott (writer) and Lina Hilko (editor)
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| Presentation in the Temple |
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This infancy narrative revolves around the event that took place shortly after the birth of Jesus. Through the reading and re-reading of narratives over the years, Sofia Cavalletti, founder of the Catechesis, tells us (Religious Potential of the Child, page 110), "In this way we will accustom the children to the fact that the biblical texts contain something to be discovered, which is to be read in depth, which in not readily exhaustible. In this way we will educate the children to humility in facing the Word of God."
In the Presentation in the Temple, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. There they offer, according to the Jewish law, two turtledoves as a sacrifice. Simeon, an older, devout Jewish man who was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he dies, recognizes Jesus and proclaims that He is light for Israel and for all peoples. We will discuss in the Atrium this grand statement from Simeon. How can this child be so great? Who is this child? How does Simeon know all this?
Another participant to the event is an old (84 years old!) faithful widow, Anna, who was constantly praying and sacrificing in the temple. After seeing Jesus, she spread the word of this child to others who were awaiting the salvation of Israel. Some questions to ponder after reading this passage: I wonder how Anna, like Simeon, recognized Jesus? How do we recognize Jesus in our lives? When we are blessed to see Jesus, do we spread the joy to others?
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| Other Infancy Narratives |
This Wednesday, January 6th, is the official date of Epiphany. Perhaps this offers the opportunity for you to read the Adoration of the Magi to your child and to think about that infancy narrative. Simeon and Anna were actively awaiting the coming of the Messiah - they were praying and studying God's Word. The Magi, too, were studying diligently, awaiting the birth of this king. How are we like Simeon, Anna, and the Magi? Are we actively looking for Jesus? How do we meet Jesus?
The Infancy Narratives are scripture passages related to the birth and childhood of Jesus. When children read and reflect on these narratives, it helps them realize the incarnation. The infancy narratives presented in Levels I and II are:
Annunciation, Luke 1:26-35
Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, Luke 1:39-49, 56
Adoration of the Shepherds, Luke 2:1-20 (was presented in mid-December right before break)
Adoration of the Magi, Matthew 2:1-12
Presentation in the Temple, Luke 2:22-33, 36-40 (our presentation this week)
In addition, Level II narratives include the Flight to Egypt, Matthew 2:13-14. Parents are always encouraged to read any of these together with their child.
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Please provide comments about this newsletter to Lina Hilko, the editor, at LHilko@aol.com and/or Sarah Coles, St. Teresa's Director of Religious Education, at SEColes@gmail.com. |
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