The Bible's reference to "millstones" and teaching others

Zerg

Zerg

Active member
Father Mike Schmitz, from Ascension Presents, in a YouTube video, spoke about when someone is discerning to train as a teacher or a priest, that they should remember what the Bible says about 'millstones'. The Bible says that it is better for a man to have a millstone tied around his neck and have himself thrown into the sea than to teach little ones to sin. This means that teachers and religious should not take their obligations lightly.

By the grace of God, I have obtained a degree in linguistics. However, I am not exactly cut out to be a teacher. I might have autism spectrum disorder. Many people follow a different career or job to what they studied. I still live with my parents and they are putting pressure on me to become an English teacher for foreign students. My family is not very strict when it comes to religion and if I mention that I want to help the church or go to RCIA (as a confirmed Catholic for extra catechesis) they tell me that that is meant for old people who have nothing better to do.

I am in a predicament where I am unsure what I what to do with my life or what further skills I should pursue. I just know that the admonition contained in the word "millstones" should not be taken lightly, which is why I am reluctant to teach. How do I reach out to my parents to tell them my needs?
 
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Talk to the local priest. I sense much devotion in your words, but also possibly some scruples. Consider: when you have the catechism as a sure guide, and Father and the religious education person as well, you can rest assured that you will have excellent guidance. Being faithful to the catechism, you cannot teach error. As to what your parents have said, remember that young, GenZ conversions are at an all time high. Connection with someone close to their age can be a great help as they discern the Church.
 
Zerg said:
Father Mike Schmitz, from Ascension Presents, in a YouTube video, spoke about when someone is discerning to train as a teacher or a priest, that they should remember what the Bible says about 'millstones'. The Bible says that it is better for a man to have a millstone tied around his neck and have himself thrown into the sea than to teach little ones to sin. This means that teachers and religious should not take their obligations lightly.

By the grace of God, I have obtained a degree in linguistics. However, I am not exactly cut out to be a teacher. I might have autism spectrum disorder. Many people follow a different career or job to what they studied. I still live with my parents and they are putting pressure on me to become an English teacher for foreign students. My family is not very strict when it comes to religion and if I mention that I want to help the church or go to RCIA (as a confirmed Catholic for extra catechesis) they tell me that that is meant for old people who have nothing better to do.

I am in a predicament where I am unsure what I what to do with my life or what further skills I should pursue. I just know that the admonition contained in the word "millstones" should not be taken lightly, which is why I am reluctant to teach. How do I reach out to my parents to tell them my needs?
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If you did pursue a career as a teacher, your sincerity and conscientiousness alone are evidence that you would not be the kind of person to whom the term "millstone" applies. This Scripture passage refers to people who are teaching others to sin. You obviously wouldn't be doing that.

Your parents are utterly wrong about these things being for "old people who have nothing better to do". The Church needs the talents of all her people, not just elderly people with no other obligations. Mark out your own path instead of letting others do it for you.
 
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