Teaching, once a noble calling, has become an ordeal in today’s world. This makes it crucial for teachers to find deep inspiration to engage with students meaningfully. This inspiration comes from recognizing the innate holiness and dignity of the classroom, where students are like unacknowledged deities. My hope is to awaken or confirm an understanding of this profound dignity—something often hard to see, yet undeniably present. Though my experience as a teacher is limited, the wisdom I’ve gained is deep and fruitful. I’ve engaged young children with enthusiasm, walked school corridors with the eyes of an inspector, supported stressed 10th graders preparing for exams, witnessed the competitive spirit in students, and listened to the long stories of both students and teachers. These varied experiences have convinced me that the calling of a Christian teacher is best realized by viewing the classroom as a place of divine encounter. I know I’m not alone in this belief. Many science teachers view the universe through the lens of faith, math teachers are devoted to their faith, and English teachers pray, shaping their vision with faith and charity. Business and economics teachers challenge students to integrate morality into every aspect of life. Principals who love the Christian faith work hard to promote life-giving principles in their schools. What do I want to say to these teachers? I want to assure them that they do experience holiness and dignity within the classroom walls, even if they are often unaware of it.
Melting of a Candle
The ordeal of a teacher is shaped by the daily sufferings, stresses, and struggles they endure. This truth highlights that our daily crosses are not signs of something profoundly wrong but affirmations that things are as they should be. Like a candle, we bring light and warmth to others only at the expense of ourselves—that is the law of the cross. Without understanding this, we cannot fully grasp the essence of our teaching mission. Mother Teresa often said, “You can’t do God’s work without suffering.” Christians seem to have forgotten this irrefutable truth. If your work is easy and devoid of the cross, it might be good work, but it might not be God’s work. The Christian calling involves entering into Christ’s suffering. Perhaps things aren’t meant to be easy. Many teachers define a good day as smooth and hassle free, and a bad day as one filled with stress and confrontations. From a Christian perspective, this mindset is unproductive and fruitless. The New Testament reminds us: “Blessed are those who mourn…those who hunger and thirst for what is right…those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Mt. 5:3-12). Most importantly, “If anyone wishes to follow me, let him renounce himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Lk. 9:23). Pain is a daily reality for those who choose to follow Jesus. “Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it, but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.” St. Paul also teaches, “I am happy to suffer for you now, and in my own body, to make up all the hardships that still must be undergone by Christ for the sake of his Body, the Church.”
SR DR FLOROPIA BORGES UMI
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