Just Start (6): Share What You Know

In this new video in the series on the works of mercy, people in Germany, the U.S. and Chile talk about their efforts to pass on their knowledge and experience to those who are younger.

Questions for dialogue

— Do you agree with Marina that when you’ve acquired valuable knowledge, it’s only natural to want to share it with others?

— What motivates Anna-Lena and Clara to help younger children do their homework?

— Why is it worthwhile making the effort to help others become better educated?

Suggestions for action

— Share your knowledge and skills with other people.

— Seek ways to help your friends and acquaintances to get to know the Church’s teachings better, also through your example.

— If you are older, dedicate time to passing on to those who are younger the wisdom that experience gives.

— If you are younger, help those who are older to learn how to use the new technology (Internet, electronic devices, etc.).

Quotes from Sacred Scripture to reflect on

— And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes (Mt 7:28-29).

— Make me to know thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee I wait all the day long (Ps 25:4-5).

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom (Col 3:16).

Quotes from Pope Francis to reflect on

— To educate means to “draw out.” It is the capacity to draw forth the best from one’s heart. It is not just about teaching some technical skill or imparting ideas, but is about rendering both ourselves and the world around us more human. And it refers in a special way to work (Address, January 16, 2016).

— Educating is a great vocation: as Saint Joseph trained Jesus in the art of carpentry, you too are called to help the younger generations to discover the beauty of truly human work (Address, January 16, 2016).

Quotes from Saint Josemaria to reflect on

— You have had the good fortune to find real teachers, authentic friends, who have taught you everything you wanted to know without holding back. You have had no need to employ any tricks to steal their knowledge, because they led you along the easiest path, even though it had cost them a lot of hard work and suffering to discover it. Now, it is your turn to do the same, with one person, and another— with everyone (Furrow, no. 733).

Coepit facere et docere—Jesus began to do and then to teach. You and I have to bear witness with our example, because we cannot live a double life. We cannot preach what we do not practise. In other words, we have to teach what we are at least struggling to put into practice (The Forge, no. 694).

— Teacher: your keenness to know and practise the best method of helping your students to acquire earthly knowledge is undeniable. But don't forget that you must have the same keenness to know and practise the Christian spiritual life, which is the only method of helping them and you to be better (The Way, no. 344).

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