Teaching With Authority

A good topic as we begin the observance of Catholic Schools Week. Teaching our young people, whether in the Catholic School or Religious Education program, is a wonderful ministry. We are preparing the young people, who are the Church of today, to be our faithful leaders of tomorrow. All of us, whether parents; teachers; priests and religious, are called to pass on the faith to those who will come after us. It may be a challenge because of the world in which we live today and the voices of society that keep calling to our young people. However, we cannot give up in our mission to proclaim the Good News and keep handing on the faith. We have received much in the centuries since our Lord walked the earth and taught the people of his day. Now, we continue to write our chapters in salvation history as we live the mission entrusted to us. In the gospel for this weekend, Mark 1:21-28, Jesus taught in the synagogue and as Mark writes, "The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes." Jesus also drove out an unclean spirit, which also added to his teaching authority. See, Jesus not only taught with words but he also taught with actions. We know that our actions speak louder than words. When we teach, we need to do so with a faithful, loving, merciful, compassionate example. As this week unfolds, we can speak about the teaching ministry of the Church and be thankful for the example of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate example of teaching authority! Have a blessed weekend!!!