I. Preparation For Teachers

Some time ago there was a drama contest in England for which there was a significant money prize. The contestants were asked to read Psalm 23, the psalm of the Good Shepherd. A well-known Shakespearean actor entered the contest, as well as a poor farmer who needed the money to save his farm.

The actor read the psalm with great drama and feeling, and received generous applause for his effort.

As the farmer approached the stage, the actor scoffed, “ who does he think he is competing against me?” As the farmer read the psalm people began to cry. The actor mocked, “It is so bad they are crying!” When the farmer finished there was dead silence. The actor thought, “ wouldn’t you think at least one person would acknowledge the farmer for his effort.”

After the silence, the crowd stood and gave the farmer thunderous applause! The farmer won the contest.

Afterward, because of the protests of the actor, the judges said to him, “ You knew the psalm, but the poor farmer knew the Shepherd”

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Key Point: The teacher is a shepherd of people and the most important thing is for him or her is to know the Shepherd.

“Whoever is called ‘to teach Christ’ must first seek ‘the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus’. From this loving knowledge of Christ springs the desire to proclaim him.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 428,429)

I. Why Teaching?

The importance of teaching might seem obvious; but some still say, “ Why do we need teaching?”

We need to be convinced that short teachings in our prayer meetings and community gatherings are a part of the way God wants us to continue to bring people to know Jesus and to help them grow in the Spirit.

A. It is the will of the Father. In Hosea God chastised the priests of Israel because they were ignoring their responsibility to teach.

• “My people perish for want of knowledge. Since you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from my priesthood. Since you have ignored the law of the Lord your God I will ignore your sons” (Hosea 4:6).

B. Jesus wants His people to be taught. He sent out the apostles with the threefold command to preach, to teach and to heal.

• “He sent them forth to proclaim the reign of God and to heal.” (Lk. 9:2)
• Jesus made it the way He expects us to show our love for Him. “Do you love me? Feed my lambs... tend my sheep… feed my sheep” (Jn 22:15-17).

C. The gift of teaching is one of the gifts listed among the Charisms.

• “It is He who gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ. (Eph. 4:11)
• “We have gifts that differ according to the favor bestowed on each of us…one who is a teacher should use his/her gift for teaching. (Rom. 12: 6-7).

You may contact Sr. Nancy Kellar regarding her seminar and guest speaking opportunities at The House of Prayer at (914) 723-0533 or at charisministry@juno.com.