today's readings are Acts of the Apostles 17: 15, 22 - 18:1: Psalm 148; and John 16: 12-15
Growing up I was blessed with many fine teachers, both in my grade school of St. Marcellus, (near Kipling and Eglinton) and Michael Power/St. Joseph's HS. Many of these teachers had a profound effect on my development as a young person.
When I reflect on what makes one a good teacher, I could name many things. But one that might be overlooked in that list would be: a good teacher knows her/his students. They know not only their backgrounds, they also know what they are capable of, and just as importantly, what they are not capable of. And they also sow the foundations for future learning.
St. Paul in our first reading and Jesus in our gospel give us some examples of good teaching techniques. In today’s first reading (Acts 17: 15, 22- 18:1), St. Paul finds himself in the great city of Athens, by the Aeropagus. Before he preaches and teaches, he takes the time to survey the environment he finds himself in – for this is where his potential “students” live and gather. Eventually he spots an altar dedicated “To an unknown god”. This altar, which would have been well-known to the people, becomes Paul’s teaching instrument to get and hold the attention of his audience. With that, he is able to get the attention of many, and succeeds in developing some new believers.
Jesus’ role as teacher is a central theme throughout the gospels. In fact He is often called, “Rabbouni”, meaning teacher (see John 20:16 as an example). An important trait of every teacher is to recognize the level that her/his students are at. For example, the wise teacher knows that a student in grade 6 is not going to be capable of learning trigonometry. No, she/he understands what their students are capable of learning and uses the right resources to teach them.
Jesus understood this reality quite well. Hence, we hear Him say, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth;” (16: 13). It's as though Jesus understands that the apostles are at that point in their learning of the equivalent of 1st year university student. But now is not the time to teach them things that would be suitable for graduate school. With more time, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, then they will be able to understand His teachings.
We entering into the 14th month of this pandemic. This has been a challenging time for all of us, and it most definitely has been for all our teachers, school administrators and other staff. Let us commit ourselves this day to pray for all of them. May the examples of St. Paul and Jesus inspire them; may the intercessions of St. Paul on their behalf be heard; and may the Holy Spirit continue to lead them and guide them. Amen.