As the Christian liturgical calendar journeys through the great ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter, the educator does not and cannot stand by in disinterested observation. There are rich and profound educational lessons here which sit alongside the rich and profound theological mysteries of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The secular world celebrates the 'spring festival' and watches in wonder as nature comes alive and new life bursts into the gardens, fields and valleys of our land. The Christian too rejoices at these signs of 'new life' and uses these propitious moments to proclaim that the human spirit and body can be renewed no matter how tough life can be. This theme of renewal and hope should not, of course, be unique to the Christian. All of us can look beyond the confines of our own memories and experiences and find in education the key which unlocks the potential within us to live an authentically human life.
Good education offers a new life of hope for those who have been beaten down by the scourges of materialism and family breakdown.
Good education opens our mind to the great thinkers of the past and allows us to draw inspiration from their works and words.
Good education allows students and teachers to look to the future with a joyful hope which is not enclosed by the fear of failure and the search for an undefined 'relevance'.
Good education helps to break down the barriers of unjust discrimination, sectarianism and narrow-mindedness. These vices flourish in a sea of ignorance but cannot resist the light of wisdom.
The important role of the educator cannot be overestimated. Let us all truly take education seriously.
