Sunday, October 30, 2011

Matthew Chapter 23:3

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 23/1-12), Jesus acknowledges the importance of teachers in passing on the message. But, there are teachers and teachers. The Scribes and Pharisees were the acknowledged teachers in Jesus’ day but they were more concerned about the importance of themselves than the message. A fine teacher uses everything in his or her repertoire of skills to pass on the message. Such a teacher never fails to realize that he or she is imparting not only information but also a part of himself or herself to students. Jesus was such a teacher, a model for all teachers.

Like a bright lamp that lights up a dark room, Jesus came brightening up the lives of His hearers. The people who heard Him looked and saw that life could be lived better. They looked, and followed His shining lead.

Like a singer with a new song, Jesus moved through Galilee inviting His listeners to sing along with Him. The song was so sweet, even deaf people could hear it. The music was so fine, even lame people could dance to its rhythm. There is a beautiful Irish ballad about Jesus called “Lord of the dance” which celebrates the new music that Jesus introduces into our lives.

Like a great party host, Jesus comes inviting everyone to His feast. The high and the mighty, the lowly and the poor. All come and find a place at the table He has set. The poor picnic with Him and the hungry are filled. Children and adults alike find plenty to share.

Like a special teacher with a new subject, Jesus comes teaching about the kingdom of God. What He says is so unbelievable: It has just to be experienced to be believed. Country folk learned that they were the sheep of God’s pasture. Sinners learned that God was their forgiveness. Outcasts learned that God was there healing them. Children learned that God was their parent. Everyone learned that Jesus had come to teach the entire world the way to belong to God.

The passing of centuries has not dimmed or diminished this fresh teaching of Jesus. All over the world, people still seek to follow this one, true teacher. And that is why those who teach as he taught take to heart the message of today’s Gospel.

Fr. Hugh Duff