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Praying and reflecting on who we are as teachers

Theme: This retreat focuses on the role of the teacher  as revealed to us in Scripture. We will look at how God has revealed himself to us through his Word, through his people, and through Jesus. We’ll reflect on how Jesus reached people, and how we can do the same. 

This is a time to pray and reflect on who we are as teachers and answer the question of what our role is in echoing the faith in love to others.

Why look at how our role is revealed in Scripture? Because we need God’s Word as our foundation. If we are rooted in the Word, we will be better equipped to pass on the faith to those we minister. If we are to pass on the faith to others, we need Scripture. 

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) 

Opening talk: “A catechist – one who echoes the faith” 

Introduction by the leader to the group: A catechist or teacher is one who echoes the faith. Our faith is comprised of facts and information and beliefs that we hold to be true. We want to echo all of that, not just one facet of the faith. Today is a chance to look at how we reveal our beliefs and knowledge to others. There is a very old saying: “Faith is caught, not taught,” which is very true. While it’s important to teach the truths and facts of our faith, that is not enough. Some people might argue that the facts are the last thing to worry about and instead focus on coming to know who God is and what Jesus did for us. Good catechesis is not either/or; it’s both. We are called to be authentic witnesses who teach by example, by the lives we lead.

Reflection #1: How does God reveal himself to his people? 

Introduction to group: A revelation of God is called a theophany (a visible manifestation to humankind of God.) There are many examples of theophanies in Scripture. Read the following passages: Exodus 19:16-19, Matthew 1:18-25, Acts 2:1-4. 

Then discuss how the theophany occurred. Have each person write one theophany that struck them on a sticky note, and then fill in an outline image of a mountain, Bible, or dove with the sticky notes.

Reflection #2: How does God reveal himself to me? 

Introduction to group: Read the story of God revealing himself to Elijah in                         1 Kings 19:9-13. 

God revealed himself in a “light, silent sound” (1 Kings 19:12b). 

How does God reveal himself to you? 

In small groups, allow time to talk about these experiences. Let the group know that not all theophanies are big or loud or even serious.

Reflection #3: How is Jesus revealed to us? 

Our ultimate example of God revealing himself to us is his Son, Jesus Christ. While we cannot reveal God to others as Jesus did, we can — and indeed are called to — reveal God and Jesus to others. Let’s look at all the ways Jesus revealed his Father and himself to us and then think of ways in which we can reveal them to others.

In small groups recall all you can about what Jesus did in the Gospels: healings, parables, miracles, and so on.  

Discuss how this points to why and how people followed Jesus. What did the answers have in common? Jesus cared for others. He knew the people he was talking to well, and he spoke in ways they could understand.

Reflection #4: How do I reveal Jesus to others? 

How do we reach the classes and groups we want to lead to Jesus? This is a time to list the great qualities teachers have as well as good things done in class. 

Take some time to process this with the group. Be sure to point out the positives and how they correlate to what Jesus did with people. Give examples and expand on what the catechists have said. 

The goal is for each person to know that they are making a positive contribution to the faith journey of others. It also shows teachers that their energy, efforts, and dedication are appreciated by others.