The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23:8

In today’s gospel passage Jesus acknowledges that there are teachers and teachers. The Scribes and Pharisees were the acknowledged teachers in Jesus’ day but they were more concerned about their own self-importance than the importance of their message. They were like blind teachers leading the blind. A true 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. He was a great story-teller; a powerful communicator who spoke with authority and conviction, unlike the professional Scribes and Pharisees.

Like a bright lamp, lighting up a dark room, Jesus came brightening up the lives of his listeners. 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. His song has been rendered into different musical compositions down through the ages, and it continues to find new renditions time after time.

Like a great party host, Jesus came inviting everyone to His feast: the high and the mighty; the lowly and the poor. They all came and found a place at the table He had set. The poor picnicked with Him; the hungry were filled; and there was plenty to share.

Like a special teacher with a new secret, Jesus came teaching about the kingdom of God. What He said was so unbelievable; it had 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 their salvation. Children learned that God was their parent. Everyone learned that Jesus had come to teach the world the way to belong to God and the way to live together in the Kingdom of 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.

Everyone who follows Christ is a teacher whether he or she realizes it or not. What we say and do is how we teach others.

Let us never forget that.

Fr. Hugh Duffy