From yesterday's gospel: "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my lambs.' He then said to Simon Peter a second time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Tend my sheep.' Jesus said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'"
From De La Salle: "The members of the flock of Jesus Christ are also obliged to hear their shepherd's voice. It is, then, your duty to teach the children entrusted to you, this is your duty every day. . . . [You] must be very alert to whatever can harm or wound [your] sheep. This is what leads the sheep to love their shepherds and to delight in their company, for there they find their rest and comfort." (Med. 33.3, 33.2)
What Jesus asks of Peter is what is asked of all of us: to take care of the flock, the students, entrusted to us. The love, forgiveness, and mercy shown to Peter is that which we also share with our students. It is only in communities that extend true care for one another that effective learning takes place. During this teacher appreciation week, we honor all of our educators for the work of learning that takes place in our classrooms. But more importantly, we celebrate the accompaniment and relationships that you build in order to truly scaffold learning. The work demands much, it is exhausting, and calls from us all that we can give. The celebrations and gifts that we share with teachers are but a small token of thanks for the gift of self that you daily offer to students. In the joy and love of your students shared with you, may you be sustained in the love of God reflected in their faces.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts!