Responsibility
Responsibility
The Lord Jesus Christ “having loved His own who were in the world, loved them to the end” (John 13:1).
Likewise, the priest must love his children as Christ loved them — and as he himself loves Christ — with a love that gives and bears responsibility.
One of the most remarkable examples of such love is the saying of St. Paul:
“I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Romans 9:3).
He also expressed his deep sense of responsibility, saying:
“Nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:24).
And he said further:
“Necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!… For a stewardship has been entrusted to me. I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more… To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:16–22).
And you, dear father, do you feel that a stewardship has been entrusted to you — that one day God will say to you: “Give an account of your stewardship” (Luke 16:2)?
Do you strive to save some, by any means, knowing that necessity is laid upon you?
Do you not count your own life precious to yourself, but devote it to leading every soul to God through repentance — and not only that, but to help every soul grow in love for God?
For this purpose, you must be an example to your people in every good work, not a stumbling block in anything. You must live the commandments before teaching them.
Do not let yourself become preoccupied with authority.
Authority was given to you only to fulfill your responsibility.
It is a means of service, not a tool for pride or domination.
As St. Peter the Apostle said: “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly… not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2–3).
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