Homily delivered for one year level at St John the Baptist Primary School, Gladstone, Qld.

"The Lord says, 'Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.'" (Is 58:7).

"I am the servant of the Lord. The Lord rescues the poor who call to him, and those who are needy and neglected; He has pity on the weak and poor; he saves the lives of those in need; He rescues then from oppression and violence; their lives are precious to him; God remembers his people. He has done marvellous deeds for me. Holy is his name.” (cf. Ps 72).

"Jesus said to his disciples, 'Suppose one of you has a servant who is ploughing or looking after the sheep. When he comes in from the field, do you tell him to hurry and eat his meal? Of course not! Instead, you say to him, 'Get my supper ready, and put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may have your meal.' The servant does not deserve thanks for obeying orders, does he? It is the same with you; When you have done all you have been told to do, say, 'We are ordinary servants; we have only done our duty.'" (Lk 17:7-10).

Artwork: "Miracle of the Slave" by Tintoretto (c. 1548).