As a teacher, I sometimes long to hear my students say what Jesus heard in today’s Gospel. “Teacher, you have answered well,” and then no longer ask me any questions. Unfortunately, as a middle school teacher, my students are usually more like the Sadducees and less like the Scribes.
They love to ask questions, to challenge, to dig deep. Sometimes sincerely seeking truth, sometimes, to “catch” me without an answer, which does happen. In fact, at the beginning of every school year, I warn my classes that I am not infallible. I make mistakes, I don’t always have all the answers; in short, I’m not perfect!
Are there times I wish I were perfect, when I wish I had all the answers, when I wish auto-format wouldn’t keep numbering even after I tell it to reset, or that some magical computer fairy would warn me before I print 150 copies of an assignment with last year’s due date? Of course! But, that kind of perfection is apparently not my lot this side of Heaven. Thankfully, life goes on, and only my pride gets hurt!
Sister, we are not like the “Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection.” We are like “those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead . . . the children of God . . . ones who will rise” (Luke 20:27, 35-36). We can be at peace. We are works in progress, slowly attaining to the perfection of eternal life, seeking truth and life. I can move forward in the light of Christ knowing that one day, I will hit print on a 100% perfectly formatted document, and my students and I will rejoice together!
Until then, Sister, focus on what really matters, “Give thanks to the Lord with all [your] heart, declare his wonderous deeds, be glad and exult in Him!” (Responsorial Psalm) Lay aside your imperfections and lift your heart in praise to Him Who “is not God of the dead, but of the living” (Luke 20:38). He is the One Who does all things well. Let Him do those wonderous deeds in you!
He does all things well. // Sister Maria FatimaClick to tweet
LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS
A NEW WORKSHOP
COME BACK TO FIRST LOVE
