This is a story about an elementary teacher and one of her students. The teachers name was Mrs. Thompson. As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy name Teddy Stoddard.
teach | Deacon Allen Tatara Catholic Speaker
On the Inside; On the Outside
I’d like you to imagine this scene. You are in grade school standing with a group of your friends on the school playground. Two people emerge as captains and begin picking their teams. You stand there, waiting for your name to be called and to be chosen. What are some of the emotions that are running through your mind? Is it excitement in anticipation of your name being called? Is it anxiety and the stress of waiting? Is it doubt that maybe you don’t feel like you’re worthy of being chosen? Or is it fear, thinking to yourself, “Please don’t let me be picked last.” Finally, you’re picked. What were you feeling? Was it relief that you landed on a team? Were you hesitant because you weren’t sure of what was to come? Or were you filled with exuberance, ready to jump in and get started? I remember one time in grade school, there was a boy named Billy who had absolutely no athletic skill at all, and neither captain wanted him on their team. Eventually he was the last kid standing. When he was finally chosen, he didn’t reluctantly mosey over to his team because he was last. He was filled with such joy and excitement that he began yelling at the top of his lungs, “Woo hoo! Yeah! Alright! Let’s do this!” The rest of us kind of looked at each other in complete shock because we had never seen anyone so excited to be chosen. Read More
When I train lectors, I always stress the importance of loving Scripture as it helps us to proclaim better and deepen our relationship with God. And that is really the message in our first reading from Nehemiah.
I love Scripture because it has the power to make us realize that we often fail in our attempt to live as Jesus taught us; yet, it fills us with hope in order to keep trying.
I love Scripture because it is living and breathing, constantly making itself just as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
I love Scripture because it reminds us of how we are to care for each other, despite our differences; to love all our neighbors especially those in need.
I love Scripture because even though we may not always understand it, there are many individuals out there who can help us decipher its meaning in our lives.
I love Scripture because it teaches and trains us in righteousness so that we are equipped to perform good works in the world.
And I love Scripture because it allows us to celebrate in the joy and strength that is offered to us when we open ourselves up to God’s living word on a daily basis.
May we always strive to be lovers of Scripture. For as Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
