Wednesday, October 23, 2024

 Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

 (Romans 6:12-18; Luke 12:39-48)

 St. Augustine told his flock, “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop. The second fills me with terror, the first, with great consolation.” The fear flowed from the responsibility he had to guide his diocese.  He knew that God would judge him harshly if he failed to discharge his duties or if he used the episcopacy for his own gain.  It goes without saying that Augustine took note of the gospel passage we read today.

 In the passage Jesus warns his apostles that they are susceptible to a stricter judgment than others.  Because he has taught them himself, they can have no excuse for abusing their authority.  Bishops like Augustine are the successors of those apostles with the same responsibility of guiding the Church.  Priests do not share the fullness of the apostolic mandate, but they are likewise well tutored in the gospels.  Both bishops and priests can expect stiff punishment if they fail to give judicious pastoral care.

Sometimes in hearing the Eucharistic Prayer we may wonder why the clergy are given special mention.  Some priests, you may have noticed, change the wording to include all ministers or all people.  Surely this is excusable.  But it is charity that moves us to pray especially for bishops, priests, and deacons.  They bear grave responsibility which if not handled well will leave their people in jeopardy.

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