It’s Back To School Time!
It seemed as though the Fourth of July barbecues had hardly cooled off and the fireworks were gone from sight, when the newspapers and television were sprouting commercials for all things back-to-school. What? Come on, let us have some summer before we get back in that routine! Vacation had barely begun, with all those makeup days from last year’s snow day closings. But time is relentless, and that big yellow bus is trundling down the street, filled with energy and liveliness. Children of all ages are walking past our house, backpacks loaded to the top, chattering away, and that seasonal change is in the air, August warmth notwithstanding.
It’s been a long time since I sent anyone off to that all-important, exciting first day of school, but the anticipation tinged with a little anxiety is a timeless experience and one with which most of us can identify. And do you remember the first time you didn’t go back to school? It’s a little odd, and you feel as though you’re kind of out of step by not doing what you’ve done since you were five or six years old.
In the back of my Bible, an index of key words gives 69 references of chapter and verse in which the words teach, teacher, teaching, and taught are included. Obviously, the writers of both the Old and New Testaments put considerable emphasis on teaching one another and the younger generation. It was important that people understood God’s creative power, his loving protection of them, and his constant presence so they could live as his chosen people in the world. As Jesus’ ministry is told in the Gospels, his disciples and many others call him Teacher or Rabbi most of the time — not preacher, not even Messiah, but Teacher. The New Testament, filled with letters written to those evangelizing and starting new Christian communities, frequently refers to teaching and ongoing learning as central to these groups.
We adults could likely benefit from some updates on our knowledge and understanding in our lives as Christians in this 21st century. We didn’t learn all we needed to know in Confirmation! Perhaps we could start some conversations about what we’d like to know more about and the possibilities for learning together.
Following the experience of Pentecost, as recorded in Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts, Peter spoke to those gathered in the temple. At the end of this astonishing day, we are told, (verse 42) “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Sounds like they got off to a good start!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers