The Responsibility of the Shepherd in Managing the Needs of His Flock
First: The Comprehensiveness of the Shepherd’s Responsibility
The lecture explains that the true shepherd, according to the psalm “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” is the one who fulfills all the needs of his flock without exception. His responsibility is not limited to the spiritual aspect only, but extends to social, psychological, material, and family needs. The shepherd is sent by God to be a living gift to his people, making them feel that nothing is lacking in his presence and care.
Second: Spiritual and Material Food
The phrase “In green pastures He makes me lie down; He leads me beside the waters of rest” refers to providing integrated nourishment. The green pastures symbolize rich spiritual teaching, deep sermons, and the satisfying Word of God, while the “waters of rest” symbolize consolation and calm, convincing guidance, not dry commands.
The shepherd is called to give “their food in due season,” as the Lord Christ said, meaning to provide the appropriate teaching at the appropriate time, and also to care for the holy sacraments, especially Communion, as the food of eternal life.
Third: He Restores My Soul – The Work of Visitation
The true shepherd does not wait for the stray to return, but seeks after him. The phrase “He restores my soul” means searching for those who are distant, whether they strayed by their own will or were driven away because of weakness or fault. True pastoral care is based on love and continuous effort to restore souls to the bosom of the Church, as in the parable of the lost sheep.
Fourth: Guiding to the Paths of Righteousness
Guiding to the paths of righteousness requires knowledge of the nature of souls and their different needs. The shepherd does not give one single advice to everyone, but deals with each soul in a way that suits it. Guidance is given through understanding, persuasion, and explanation, not through harshness or commands, because souls need waters of rest, not disturbance.
Fifth: The Church as Green Pastures
The church should be attractive, where people find deep spiritual nourishment and a living example, and where each person feels that he has a role and responsibility. The energy given to each person should be used in service, so that he feels he is a living member in the Body of Christ.
Sixth: The Rod and the Staff – Discipline with Consolation
“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” indicates that discipline is not revenge but treatment. The rod in the shepherd’s hand does not harm, but guides and directs. The goal is healing and returning to the right path, within a framework of love and tenderness.
The General Message
The spiritual essence of the lecture is that the shepherd is called to be a living image of God’s own care: his giving is comprehensive, his service is full of love, his attention is personal, and his teaching is nourishing and comforting. Pastoral care is not a limited function, but a life offered for the salvation of souls, until the promise is fulfilled: “I shall not want.”
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