In today’s assembly we heard this reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke:
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Glory to you, O Lord.
(Sign the head, lips and heart).
Levi was a tax collector. Tax collectors were not liked by the people. As well as taking taxes for the Romans, they would take extra money from the people and keep it for themselves. The only friends they had were other tax collectors, who also cheated the people.
One day Jesus was passing by and he saw Levi sitting in his office. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Levi got up, left everything and followed Jesus. He gave a big feast in his house for Jesus. He invited his friends – the other tax collectors. He also invited some other people who weren’t usually invited to dinner. They were outcasts. Respectable people wouldn’t have anything to do with them.
Some important people complained to Jesus’ friends. “Why does Jesus eat with people like this?” they asked. Jesus answered them, “I am here for people who need me.”
Levi became one of the Twelve friends of Jesus. His name was changed to Matthew.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
One of the messages of this story is that, like Jesus, we should respect and treat all people with dignity. Treating people with dignity means that they will feel valued and of worth. The children sat quietly and thought of someone in their class or in school that they find it hard to like and don’t always treat very well. They pictured that person in their mind and remembered that, like us, that person is loved and special to God……. We prayed for that person and asked God to help us to treat them with respect and dignity today and in the future.
This week’s mission therefore, is to show human dignity and respect. The EYFS children in assembly had some wonderful ideas such as listening to the teacher, doing what their parents ask them to do, including children in games who have no-one to play with and smiling at others.
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This week, year 5 have shown many ways in which we can show respect and dignity to others. We said that if you invited somwhere, it’s repectful to show up. We also spoke about paying respect to our parents when they ask us to do something such as clean our rooms or wash our dishes.
Year 1 have tried very hard this week to get along with everyone and to listen carefully when the adults are talking. They have tried to be kind and helpful just as Jesus wants us to be.
Year Two have treated others with respect and dignity this week by listening to what each have had to say. in class. They have also taken care of their friends in the playground when they have fallen over and hurt themselves.
In Year 4 the children have been showing respect to others and doing things for them that they don’t necessarily like doing. We spoke about how we talk to each other and why it is so important to treat others with the dignity and respect that we like to be treated with.
This week Year 3 have shown respect through listening to their teachers and parents. They have also respected each other and not interrupted when someone else was talking but waited their turn and given everyone a chance to talk. Outside in the playground we have respected each other’s decisions on what to play and who to play with. We have shared our time and equipment.