Hosea 5:15-6:6

Psalm 50:7-15

Romans 4:13-18

MATTHEW 9:9-13

Sermon -- June 5, 2005

EDUCATION SUNDAY

“Those who are well have no use for a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous but sinners.”

Today is Education Sunday. We honor those who are completing some phase of education and those who are involved in providing education.

It is very appropriate that we should do this. From its very beginning the church has been involved with education. To his contemporaries, Jesus was viewed, among other titles or roles, as a wisdom teacher. And early in its life, the church drew scholars and teachers to it. This past week we marked the life and martyrdom of one early scholar and teacher, Justin.

Most of the major ancient universities of Europe were started by the church or religious orders, as were the majority of colleges and universities in this country. There must be continual thanksgiving in the academic world for both Jesus and Paul. Think of the thousands, if not millions, of theses, dissertations, articles and books that have been written about them or on topics derived in some way from their life, teaching and work.

Even more to the point, the church has, like all groups and societies, depended on education t o form and train those coming into it and thus to form the community itself. Some of the most important documents that we have from the early church are instructions given to those preparing for baptism. This tradition is continued in the preparation of people for confirmation.

The church and education and educational institutions have much in common and have often been in conflict. Both seek to preserve and hand on certain values and traditions. Both often challenge each other. Working for either or both can be exhilarating and rewarding beyond one’s wildest dreams. Working for both can also be frustrating and depressing.

So, it is appropriate that today we honor those who educate and those who have reached a certain point in their development as persons. Some have learned a certain body of knowledge. Some have handed on a body of knowledge to others. Hopefully all have been engaged in a way that brought about a certain critical and thoughtful consideration of the subjects they have been considering and that that critical and thoughtful consideration of all things will continue throughout their lives.

But as any teacher or any student can tell you, a lot more happens in education than just the learning of a subject. I think back on my own life. I deeply appreciate all that I have been taught about many different subjects by the many teachers that I have had during my schooling, but I remember many teachers with even greater gratitude for what they taught me about life. A few words from some have been critical in decisions and turning points in my life long after I had them as teachers. I dare say that most here today would say the same thing.

The rite of Baptism is one of the sacraments of the church. In it the concept of teaching and learning are mentioned at least five times. In the prayer after the baptism, we pray that God will “give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works.”

We are called to teach and to learn. Teaching and learning can be difficult, but they are among the most noble and important of human efforts. We do both in many different places and in many different circumstances – as a parent, a supervisor, a group leader. Almost all of us are teachers in some part of our lives. Likewise, almost all of us are learners most of the time in some part of our lives. No matter where or under what circumstances, we have a vocation as Christians, as teachers and as learners. Sometimes the teaching and learning may include explicitly Christian content. More often it will not include explicitly Christian content, and our vocation will be expressed in how we do it; the spirit we bring to it; and the way we accept and relate to a student or a teacher. Our vocation will show in whether we are truly open and honest in our teaching and learning. Are we open to what God is revealing to us? Are we humble enough to know that our knowledge is partial? Do we recognize the tremendous potential that we have? Do we acknowledge the need to care for ourselves mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally so that we can be whole and available to others as we learn and teach? Do we try to accept and affirm even those who seem unlovable as we teach and learn? Our acceptance may be what someday saves a person’s life.

“Go learn what this means.” To those who were sure they knew the right, the good, the way of God, Jesus says “go and learn.” To the one who was an outcast and considered a robber, traitor and even a blasphemer, he says “come follow me.” Come be my disciple and friend. Learn from me. There is not greater example of teaching or learning. Amen.

(The Rev.) William O. Breedlove

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church