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Teachable
Moments

Did you (or do you) have a favorite teacher? Someone who was able to create inviting learning spaces for curious minds? I hope that most of us can recall such a teacher who made learning fun by maximizing those teachable moments.

I have to say my favorite learning experiences happened when I was studying theology at St. Stephen’s College. It wasn’t just the professors who made the learning enjoyable. It started with the philosophy of the college which created the accessible and inclusive spaces for a diverse community of learners to come together. Everyone was accepted as they came and we all learned from each other. I think we ended up learning a lot more than the content of the courses. We also experienced a wonderful model for building community.


This week our gospel story continues with Jesus’ farewell discourse to the disciples. We are backtracking a bit to before Easter. In this story Jesus was preparing the disciples to open their hearts toward the Holy Spirit once he was no longer with them. I think this story also prepares us for Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit, which is only a couple of weeks away.

The Holy Spirit will be with them as a new presence in the community. The role of the Spirit is to “teach you everything” and “remind you of all that I (Jesus) have said to you.” (John 14:26). If the disciples could be open to receiving such a gift, the Spirit would create the space for them to build community and learn from one another.

I believe the Holy Spirit is among us still, guiding and inspiring our lives in ways that encourage us to use our gifts in community. We simply need to open our awareness to those teachable moments that come our way.

Peace and joy,
Nancy