From today's gospel: "[Jesus] said, 'Go, therefore, . . . and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.'"
From De La Salle: "Recognize Jesus beneath the poor rags of the children whom you have to instruct; adore him in them. . . May faith lead you to do this with affection and zeal because these children are members of Jesus Christ." (Med. 96.3); "[R]egard the children whom God has entrusted to you as children of God. . . Do you honor Jesus Christ in their person?" (Med. 133.2, 133.3); "The faith that must inspire you ought to make you honor Jesus Christ in their person and prefer them to the wealthiest children on earth, because they are the living images of Jesus Christ. . . ." (Med. 80.3).
We have reached the end of teaching and learning for this rather extraordinary academic year. We are not "done", of course. Grading and review boards remain. In addition, we have begun our thinking and planning for the next academic year, about which much remains uncertain. But we do not need to be troubled, for Christ has promised that he is with us always. However, it is worth reminding ourselves, called to be Christ's teachers, of how Jesus is present. We recognize him in our students, entrusted to us by God. To remain in God's promised presence, may we keep our students, the image of Christ, and not our own needs, first and foremost in our grading, reviewing, and planning. How will our actions and plans honor the presence of Christ in them?
Live, Jesus, in our hearts!