The Lord God Helps Me

A Reflection on the ​First Reading for Sunday, September 15th, 2024:
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Isaiah
50.5-9

​The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backward.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

Well, it is that time of the year. Specifically, it is that fateful time for teachers when the peace and solace of the summer turns to the chaos and busyness of the school year. As I sit to write this reflection it is the weekend before I return to school as a teacher. Believe me, I love my work. Having been a high school teacher on two continents, I know that teenagers are the most misunderstood of children. After some discernment over the summer, I believe that, for now, God is calling me to continue to be a teacher. 

The First Reading for this Sunday is taken from the Prophet Isaiah, and it points to the suffering servant, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus bore such atrocities; their cumulative impact is something that our human minds cannot totally fathom. As I read these words and reflect on them, I will strive to keep His self-sacrificial nature in mind as I start the new school year. 

In my work this year, I need to strive to be compliant and not “rebellious.” I need to be patient even in times when a teenager or parent throws a bad attitude my way. Although no one may spit at me, I need to be humble enough to bear insults or comments that may be unjustified. Dealing with teenagers brings with it the unexpected, and I need to turn to the Lord every time I find myself in an awkward situation.

I need to remember that being a teacher is not only a responsibility, it is a privilege. I have the good fortune of mentoring children who are not my own. I can show kindness and generosity to teenagers who may be facing demons I know nothing about. I have the honour of caring for those who might be hurting but do not know how to express their hurt. And, most importantly, I have the opportunity to be an image of Christ for those who may never have opened a bible or gone to a church.

With all this in mind, I turn to the Lord and surrender the upcoming school year to Him. May Your will be done, Jesus. Amen.



​Rebecca Dmello

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