It was said of Jesus, the Master-Teacher, that He taught with power and authority unlike the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus indeed described Himself in many ways, among which were: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” He also said: “I have come that they might have life and life in abundance.” (Jn. 10:10)
Now more than ever before we desperately need teachers and good teachers. But most specially we desperately need teachers of Christian- Catholic doctrine. In fact, never have we lived in a society with so much information, especially due to the internet and all that the social media offers. However, at the same time, never have we lived in a world with so much confusion.
In this brief essay we would like to point out specific ways that we can make a sincere but concerted effort in the formation of solid, authentic, teachers and most specifically teachers that convey the Truth of Jesus Christ who is truly the Incarnate Word and Truth itself.
CONCRETE STEPS IN THE FORMATION OF SOLID CATHOLIC TEACHERS.
1. TRUTH. The last thing that the world really needs are so-called teachers who are really teaching at all except their own opinions, their own ideas, their own exotic and esoteric theories, but far from the essence of truth. Perhaps this is an obvious statement, but it must be expressed: a teacher must impart and teach the truth, or better not to assume even to be a teacher. This being said, let us delve into some of the sources where we can find the truth.
2. BIBLE: THE WORD OF GOD. The ultimate and best source from which we can be imbibing the clear waters of truth is the Bible, the inspired word of God who has God Himself as the author. As Catholics we should have obviously a good Catholic Bible—the New Jerusalem Bible would be among the best translations from the original languages of the Bible.
3. DIDACHE BIBLE. Published recently is the DIDACHE BIBLE. This can be invaluable in the pursuit of the truth because not only do you have the Bible but also an excellent running commentary at the foot of the page which is taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church—no better help in our pursuit of understanding authentic doctrine.
4. VATICAN II DOCUMENTS. The Documents from the Second Vatican Council are of primary importance—there are 16 in total. However, the four Dogmatic Constitutions are essential: Dei Verbum—on the Bible and Divine Revelation, Sacrosanctum Concilium—on the Mass and Liturgy, Gaudium Spes on the problems the Church confronts in the modern world, finally Lumen Gentium, the hierarchical structure of the Church and universal call to holiness.
5. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. CCC published under the supervision and auspices of Pope Saint John Paul II in the early 90’s. is a sure guide to learning the authentic teaching of Holy Mother Church. The four pillars of the catechism explains clearly the essence of Catholic doctrine: 1) Dogma-Creed—explaining the various parts of the Creed or Profession of faith said ate very Sunday Mass; 2) The seven Sacraments—channels of grace for our sanctification and salvation; 3) Morality—the explanation in detail of the ten Commandments; 4) Prayer— communication and dialogue with God the key to our salvation.
6. LOVE THE TOPIC. Saint Augustine points out two other important factors to be accentuated in authentic teaching. The first of these is that the teacher should be totally immersed in the subject that he is teaching as well as to have a true love for the material he is transmitting. On one occasion a woman after Mass commented to the priest the following: “I believe in what you said, because you believe it!” A salesman will not sell his product if he is not convinced that the product is worth its price, the same with teaching. For Catholic teachers, catechists, priests and missionaries the topic is not a thing, or a product or a commodity. Rather, our preaching is the Person of Jesus Christ the Son of the living God!
7. LOVE THE PEOPLE PRESENT. The second point of this equation, according to Augustine, is that the teacher should truly love his students. He should have a great desire that through his teaching the students will get to know Christ, love Christ, be willing to follow Christ and one day be with Christ forever in heaven. This is true love, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, “Willing the good of the other.” The Maximum good is to be united with Jesus forever in heaven, but it starts with getting to know and love Him first here on earth. This can be attained by authentic teaching.
8. PRAY BEFORE AND AFTER THE TEACHING. Our teaching should be immersed, imbued and permeated with an authentic spirit of prayer. As a teacher for many years, I always start by inviting the Blessed Virgin Mary to help us with her prayers and to be with us. But also, of paramount importance, is to invite the Holy Spirit to be present to inspire the whole development and transmission of the spiritual message. As the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostles 2000 years ago starting with Pentecost (Acts 2), so He can help modern teachers to be fully alive and on fire with the Truth. In conclusion prayer should be recited so that the Truth transmitted and hears can be assimilated, understood fully, and lived out.
9. STORY-TELLING. The human psyche almost unanimously will lift its ears and mind in the presence of a story well-told. Perhaps the most liable proof of this is in the presence of the greatest Teacher that ever lived. This Teacher not only was a brilliant, simple but profound conveyer of Truth, but also, He was a consummate storyteller. The Name of this Teacher was and is JESUS CHRIST. We can read His teachings in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. What were these stories that the master-Teacher Jesus employed in His pedagogical method? The Parables! The Good Samaritan (Lk. 10), the Prodigal Son (Lk. 15), the Sower (Mk. 4) Rich Fool (Lk. 12), and the Parable of the Talents (Mt 25) — just to mention a few! It is so true in conversation and especially in teaching: the power, the appeal and attraction of a good story well-told! Of course, a good teacher should know when to tell the story, in what context, and with proper meaning and intention. Much of good teaching also depends on the art of timing!
10. PRAYER-FULL SPIRIT AND LIFE. One of my favorite writers, preachers, teachers, radio and t.v. evangelists is Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. Millions of Americans were enthralled, captivated and riveted to the t.v. screen for years as he taught. A truly talented and brilliant Bishop, who was also a superb writer and missionary did not attribute his success as a communicate to himself. Quite the contrary, he attributed his oratorical success to God, to Jesus and through a deep prayer life. He attributed it to his daily Holy Hour, which he called THE HOUR OF POWER. In more than 50 years as a priest Sheen stated that he never missed praying his Holy Hour—the Hour of Power—even once. This was the ultimate source of his light, inspiration, strength and eloquence as a teacher. It was Jesus, the Supreme Master and Teacher that enlightened his mind and ignited his heart as preacher.
In conclusion, let us beg the Lord of the Harvest to raise up more inspired Teachers, who by following in the footsteps of Jesus the Greatest of all Teachers to teach the fullness of the Truth in all times and places so as to reap an eternal harvest for the Kingdom of God.
