Teaching Mandates

Mantles are not easy to pass.  First, the person must be aware that they are candidate to receive the mantle.  Second, there must be someone to pass something.  A third element is then required.  There must be an understanding of what the mantle is.
As I reflect on the mantles I have tried to pass, I easily find myself confessing that my success rate is lackluster at best.  It is not that I want to hold onto anything! I would love to pass on my insights to those willing to listen.  I would love to see a new generation assume a mantle of curiosity and wonder.  The very idea that someone would take the best from my history and infuse it with fresh ideals is a wonderful dream.
As I catch myself in this dream, I realize you and I have mantles that we have yet to assume! I often assume I know my purpose and mission.  Candidly, my assumptions are arrogance.  You may not realize it, but you and I called to be God's priests.  We already teach those around us with every action.  We were called to teach even before we knew of God existence.  Candidly, “it's the job of priests to teach the truth.  People are supposed to look to them for guidance.  The priest is the messenger of God-of-the-Angel-Armies.  But you priests have abandoned the way of priests.  Your teaching has messed up many lives.  You have corrupted the covenant of priest Levi.  God-of-the-Angel-Armies says so.  And so I am showing you up for who you are.  Everyone will be disgusted with you and avoid you because you don't live the way I told you to live, and you don't teach my revelation truly and impartially.”  (Malachi 2.7-9)
The question today is one of response.  Will we take on God's call?  We do not need to be perfect, just willing, learning, and growing.  Teaching is all about dialogue.  We are here to listen in order to learn.  Couple that with the Spirit and you have the makings of Hope.