The Lord God has given me
the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word. (Is 50:4)

Whether I am a parent or a teacher, we are likely to resonate with this passage. It might be buoying up a student who is disappointed with an assessment result. It might be comforting a son or daughter after a relational upset. It could be empathising with a friend who is enduring some difficulties. Whatever the situation, we act in this way because we are in relationship, because we care.

When the time comes we must encourage the young people in our care to continue and not to give up. We also owe it to our young people to help them reflect upon the power of what we each say has to do good or harm. This includes the remark that is intended as humorous that ends up being wounding. Because we are all in relationship, we need to do what we can to strengthen those ties – not weaken them. And so the Holy Spirit is at work through us.

Have a great week!
Patrick