As teachers we are called to express our love of God by teaching others. Christian teaching is modelled on Jesus the Teacher. Even as a child, Jesus taught in the temple. At the age of 30, Jesus began his public life as Teacher. The Gospels describe His style as Teacher.
Jesus taught with authority 'Jesus had now finished what he wanted to say, and his teaching made a deep impression on the people because he taught them with authority.' (Matt 7:28)
Jesus taught through storytelling ''The people all stood on the beach and he told them many things in parables.' (Matt 13:3) Jesus sought out how people were feeling 'He said to them: 'What matters are you discussing as you walk along?' (Luke 24:17) Jesus wished to empower people to go out in their newly found strength 'Go home to your people and tell them what the Lord in his mercy has done for you.' (Mark 5: 19}
Jesus taught with signs to authenticate his teachings 'He went around the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogues proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness among the people.' (Mark 5:19)
Jesus taught as a person in service to others 'And anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.' (Matt 20:28)
Jesus took time away in solitude to reflect and pray before teaching 'In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there.' (Mark 1:35)
Jesus was engaged in confrontation when necessary 'Alas for you scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who shut up the Kingdom of heaven in men's faces, neither going in yourselves nor allowing others to go in who want to.' (Matt 23:13)
Jesus taught with love 'This is my commandment, love one another as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends'. (John 15: 13}
Jesus taught with his actions, not just his words 'Can any of you convict me of sin?' (John 8:46) Jesus was a shepherd to the people he taught 'I am the good shepherd, I know my own and my own know me.' (John 10:14}
Help us to be concerned with the everyday life situations of our students and anticipate the problems they will face. Help us to develop in their hearts a genuine and abiding spirit of faith in all that you have commanded and in all that your Church teaches.