The prophet Isaiah delivered this hope: “No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, and your ears shall hear a word behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Is 30:20b-21). With so much uncertainty in life on the one hand and opportunity on the other, we all yearn for that wise person to show us what to do and how to do it. We look for someone we can be confident knows the way and won’t lead us astray. Thankfully, Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and we have such a teacher near to us and eager to instruct us.
As the son of God, Jesus’ teaching is not only informative but also transformative. St. Matthew writes, “Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness” (Mt 9:35). Christ’s teaching and healing are related. His instruction not only conveys wisdom, but it also heals because it restores us to right relationship with God through grace. When he heals, our minds and hearts also become more receptive to his teaching. Over time, this builds a relationship of trust and love whereby we learn to have a disposition for listening and looking to the Lord rather than to ourselves.
Without God we are lost and wander aimlessly in search of meaning and happiness; oftentimes we are harmed by errors and false hopes. Matthew goes on to say, “At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). In this age of misinformation and misleading messages, it’s even more imperative that we look to Christ and take time for prayer and study. He has given his teaching in Scripture by which we can hear his word directly. He has given us the pope and bishops to be his living voice of authority and guidance, and we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to provide us with understanding and counsel. We can experience so much peace and security this way.
Christ also established the Church, his mystical body, through which he continues to teach and heal in a tangible way. “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest’” (Mt 9:37-38). Every Christian participates in Christ’s teaching ministry in some way, whether directly (as pastors, teachers or parents) or indirectly (through the witness of our lives) depending on the vocation. Pope Francis, in his encyclical letter “Dilexit Nos,” reflected, “Thanks to the abundant graces streaming from the open side of Christ, in different ways the Church, the Virgin Mary and all believers become themselves streams of living water” (Dilexit Nos, 176).
This time of year, we reflect on the special stream that runs through Catholic schools, and the laborers God sends to work in the fields of children’s souls. Catholic schools are known for their exceptional education, but also for relying on and imparting the wisdom of God. “Great is our Lord, vast in power, with wisdom beyond measure” (Ps 147:5). Students can learn about the world with God in it, not left out of it. They also have Christ as their teacher in their studies of Scripture, Church teaching and morality.
Schools also endeavor to address the health and well-being of the whole child and as they prepare students for adult life. Catholic schools go further by helping students build a relationship with Christ — the most important foundation for their well-being on Earth and in eternity. The purpose of this life is to come to know and love God. Thus, daily prayer, school Masses and time spent in the chapel aren’t quaint additions to the school day; they are the most important part.
Thanks be to God we have Christ as our teacher! May we be dedicated pupils as well as laborers in his fields, and streams of his truth and love to those he has called us to serve.
Jendro teaches theology at Providence Academy in Plymouth and is a member of St. Thomas the Apostle in Corcoran. She’s also a speaker and writer; her website is taketimeforhim.com.
