“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” -John 13:15-17
The relationship between students and teachers is significant. A good teacher can have a life-long impact on their students. It is the hope of all good teachers that their lessons and their hard work will help their students succeed in life. That is what Patrick Moriaty has always hoped for as he teaches science in Rochester, New York.
Mr. Moriaty has been teaching his junior high science class for 46 years. One of the lessons he always teaches is about solar eclipses. Each year, Mr. Moriaty teaches how to calculate when a total eclipse will be seen in the skies. When the students would arrive at the date of April 8, 2024, Mr. Moriaty would jokingly say, “Hey, circle that one, we are going to get together on that one.” The students would laugh and move one. Mr. Moriaty has made this same joke for 46 years.
As 2024 began, Mr. Moriaty started a Facebook group to recruit former students to come home and watch the eclipse. He ordered pizzas and bought 130 pairs of eclipse glasses. When April 8 arrived, students from all over the country came home to Rochester. It was far more than just an eclipse party; it is a reunion for students and a teacher who has truly made a difference in their lives.
When he was asked about his life in education, Patrick Moriaty would say, “When teachers go into education, they hope they can be that kind of teacher that would have an impact on people and make a difference for people. This event right here just firmed it up for me that I guess I did okay.”
I am sure that Mr. Moriaty had witnessed other moments of success along the way, but this reunion was special. When the moon crossed in front of the sun and darkness covered the ground, Mr. Moriaty would see the real impact he has had.
Mr. Moriaty is a reminder to us all that if we are willing to invest our time and efforts into helping other people, we can and will make a difference. We may not always be able to see the impact we have on other people’s lives, but we must be willing to try. God has called us all to serve others. By serving we will bless the lives of others and we ourselves will be blessed.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
