Teacher

Today’s Gospel Text: He went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. Mark 6:1-6

Reflection: Indeed one of the greatest services one can ever render humanity is to teach and Jesus never missed an opportunity to teach in the synagogues. 

Does it mean that all should jump into the fray, of being a teacher? Before taking it as a profession one should first search one’s heart for honesty or sincerity and dedication, always keeping before one’s eye the eternal judgment assured for leading astray God’s creatures. 

The worst judgment would befall those who are teachers in God’s household and over, whom Christ considers, them as his little ones: “..but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matt 18:6,(Mk. 9:42/ Lk. 17:2)

Therefore James in his letter (Chp. 3:1) has this to say, concerning the ministry of teaching: “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness.”

If you think that the plague of false teachers, even officially sanctioned ones, are a new infestation in the church, then you are wrong. There were false teachers even during the time of the apostles: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.” 2 Pt. 2:1; I Tim. 1: 6-7

The only difference is that in the time of the Apostles and even much latter, those who took the place of the apostles were quick to discern the false doctrine and condemn them immediately. In many instances there were pitched battles of debates which ultimately saw the church triumphant over the forces of evil.

In our dark days they are quite a few who have taken the place of the Apostles and yet promote, teach and practice heresy in their openness to modernistic-pseudo-scientific reasoning’s.

Prayer: Oh, how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thy commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.  I have more understanding than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are my meditation. Ps 119:97-99

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