Alexander the Great’s favorite teacher was Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher. On one occasion, returning from his battles, Alexander paid him a visit and enjoyed an afternoon of conversation with him. At the moment of parting Alexander who also believed in reincarnation, said to his teacher: ‘’How I wish I were Aristotle, not Alexander, in the next lifetime.’’ Aristotle answered: ‘’If you wish so, you can be now. But the fact is, you cannot live like Aristotle, accustomed as you are to fighting and not to the search of wisdom.’’

Each one of us remembers at least one teacher who influences your life. These teachers impact not just knowledge but a way of life. They are worthy of emulation because their wisdom does not come only from books but from life itself. They make an effort to live what they impact to their students and this is a powerful lesson in itself. As a group, however, the Scribes and the Pharisees are objects of Jesus’ condemnation. This is partly because they enjoy the honor and privilege accorded to teachers of the law and yet they do not live up to the heart of the law. They do not have humility nor do they show compassion for their fellow Jews, especially those who are ignorant of the Law. Jesus criticism is an important reminder to those who have opted to dedicate their life to the service of the Good News.

Though there is a need to preach from the pulpit where one can see the people from the ‘’top’’, there is a greater need for teachers who are willing to go to the people, speak to them in a more personal way, and treat them like brothers or sisters. This is not an art but a way of life, an attitude that seeks not the privilege of power, position or wealth but that of serving others in a disinterested way. Goodness is reflected in one’s way of life rather than in what one says.