We Are All Teachers

Pope Gregory the Great wrote this about St. Benedict: “He wrote a Rule for monks that is remarkable for its discretion and its clarity of language. Anyone who wishes to know more about his life and character can discover in his Rule exactly what he was like as an abbot, for his life could not have differed from his teaching.”

Although few of us have been an abbot or written a rule, we are all teachers, for our lives teach others what we believe, what we value, and how we expect others to treat us.

• Our acts of kindness and charity teach others that we believe Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, because he said, “Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me.”

• Our efforts to live lightly on the earth and protect trees, water, air, and soil teach others that we value our common home and the resources we share with all other beings.

• Our refusal to be ignored, taken for granted, or disenfranchised teaches others that we have value and dignity and are worthy of respect, as demonstrated by the Canaanite woman with an ailing daughter who insisted that Jesus respond to her plea for healing (Mt 15: 21-28).

Good teachers periodically re-examine their lesson plans to make sure they are still effective. Just so, we need to review our lives on a regular basis to ensure that they still reflect what we wish to teach others. St. Francis of Assisi is quoted as saying, “Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” We should not underestimate the power of our actions to teach others about God’s love, generosity, and patience.