Today in Australia, we celebrate World Teachers Day. As Catholic educators we are called to teach as Jesus did. What an awesome and humbling task! When we ask ourselves what it means to teach as Jesus did, three themes from the Gospels come to mind:

• Jesus taught people where he found them,
• he taught with authority, and
• his teaching held people spellbound.

"He began to teach in their synagogue, so that they were astounded" (Matt. 13:54). 

Jesus is our model of a great teacher. When teaching he was not merely issuing directives to an unknown, faceless crowd. He looked at them, and he looks at us. It is a personal look, a look that seeks to engage us in a very personal way. He is speaking to us. His teaching is not merely for an ancient crowd; it is for us. We are called to look with respect those whom we are called to teach or the children you are called to raise? Do you engage them by your look of respect and love?

Jesus could be very tough, even showing impatience, but he is willing to stay with us in a long conversation. We read in Mark’s gospel, ‘When Jesus went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them at great length (Mk 6:34). Yes, Jesus teaches us at great length; He stays in long conversations with us. He knows that we are searching in mind and heart, so he persistently and consistently teaches. Do we do that? Or do we quickly write people off? 

Jesus asked well over a hundred questions in the Gospel. Good teachers ask questions and do not rush to answer every question. A question is expectant with meaning; it invites a search.

Forgiveness may not at first seem to be an obvious way of teaching, but consider that teachers often have to accept that students don’t get everything right the first time. Teaching requires a patient determination as students first acquire skills and then master them. While setting high standards, Jesus offers forgiveness, not as a way of denying perfection but as a way to facilitate our growth by grace and trust. Do we offer forgiveness to those around us?

Good teachers train new ones. Jesus trained the twelve Apostles and he led and inspired them. He also prepared them for the day when he would hand on the role of teacher to them. As teachers, we need to train our successors and inspire new and greater insights. Teach us Lord, by your example, to teach as you taught and to speak as you would.

We pray for all teachers and parents who are called to teach the precious St Brigid’s children.

Almighty God,

We come to you today and give thanks for all teachers.

Fill their hearts with courage by your mighty Spirit.

Fill them with your strength, so they may rise to every challenge and not grow weary.

Fill them with your wisdom, so that they may be able to make good judgement when guiding and helping others.

Fill them with your peace, so that when stress and anxiety comes it would not overwhelm them.

Fill them with your joy, so that the passion they have for their teaching may become an infectious passion that spreads.

We ask all this in the wonderful name of Jesus. Amen