Education

Today’s Gospel Text: Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. 36 As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them. 37 But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 44 Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:35-49

Reflection: Education enables and empowers us much, to handle the daily aspects of life and survival?

But does it always do so? Does Education really empowers us or enables an individual?

It is very difficult to find the truth, because one thing we know is that education has followed a certain pattern and it has brought about a certain element of a popular acclaimed change and very few have experimented with other forms of education.

Or maybe the other forms of experimentation too have shown its own weaknesses and drawbacks.

One thing which all will agree on is that education has at least managed to bring in some change, if not an ultimate change but it brings about some change in society.

It provides us with a work force and a certain discipline and uniformity in society which other wise would be impossible to work with.

It brings about progress, if not a moral one then at least a material progress and the growing experimentations and innovations in society which makes society an enterprising one.

We have in scripture an insight into the human mind which could change the way we look at education and learning, especially the spiritual dimension which often relies on the ways of the world in the formation of men and women to serve in the vineyard of Christ.

Yet what is going to be said is no new philosophy or idea but which some individuals have in a way having realized this have changed their approach to life.

In this approach, one does not rely on oneself totally in order to educate oneself. one would constantly feel the need for God to work out his ways in them.

They learn and keep learning even the ways of the world but ultimately know that they require his help in leading them on or to be his instrument.

The fact that Jesus had to “open their minds “ (vs.45) to understand the scriptures, even though they were constantly with him and availed constantly of his wise teachings, yet it is only when he opened their minds that they may have started on a new beginning.

Our darkened minds through the mercy of God needs healing and needs to be opened in order to understand the things of God and this is often left to the will of an individual to avail of this grace and healing. 

Prayer:  Make me understand the way of thy precepts, and I will meditate on thy wondrous works. Ps 119:27

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