As an administrator in Texas education, I participated in several teacher evaluation programs over the years. When I retired the system in place was based on a fairly, simple premise: no matter the level of performance, one can get better. Students, teachers, administrators, and community, working and collaborating, will grow into something better than they were. Perfection is elusive, but there is always reason to try to reach it, even during challenging years. T-TESS was created to comfortably push educators out of their existing zone of comfort. A system designed to promote observation, and then conversation about teaching and learning. I loved the conversations after those observations. The appraisal system encouraged discussions about what was seen, and considering the possibilities. A new system which was created to remove fear of reprisal, remove fear for trying new things, and to remove any fears which might hinder encouraging the excitement for learning opportunities and student growth. I still miss those conversations, filled with anticipation without anxiety.

St. Mark offers two stories that some Biblical scholars call “the parables of the kingdom.” Both describe scenes familiar to those of the agrarian society, who lived in the Holy Land 2,000 years ago. Jesus teaches the disciples that the kingdom of G_d is like the scattering of seeds on the ground. These seeds sprout, and grow, and yield a harvest. The kingdom of G_d can be compared to a tiny mustard seed which when it grows yields a mighty bush with branches so large that birds can make a nest in its shade.

Behind these two simple parables is a common understanding that plant growth includes toil, care, and perhaps harvesting, even if only for seeds to replant. If our personal connection with agriculture is only a small lawn of grass, or a window box, or a solitary potted plant, we learn that growing things is not all that easy. A yard, or any plot, needs to be cultivated; watered, fed, given sunlight. I doubt that Jesus was suggesting that the Kingdom will just grow, even though he does predict a fruitful harvest.

Mark remarks that Jesus had to explain the meaning of these tiny vignettes to the twelve; disciple also means learner. At the Ascension he ordered his followers to go into the fear filled world, to work at telling the world about the Messiah, baptizing, celebrating the Eucharist, and loving extravagantly. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us.” At Pentecost he sent his Holy Spirit to give strength for this service. The work required is not to establish the kingdom, but to help grow the reaping at the harvest. Through loving one another, modeling the behaviors he taught, study in the scriptures, collaboration with him and the Spirit in prayer, we will grow, we will get better than we are, and free of anxiety, we are more prepared for the perfection which will surely come.

Pax,
jbt