Post-feast of the Ascension; the Holy Martyr Isidore (249-51)
Read
Acts 21:8-14; John 14:27-15:7
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
In Christ’s Church one of her important branches is an eparchy. It has its territory and a bishop who is responsible before God for the flock entrusted to him. He sees to it that his faithful are provided with proper spiritual care in the person of a pastor-priest. A pastor is not merely a leader, but he is foremost a teacher, a priest, and a spiritual father. He is called to be an example of love for our neighbor, to provide leadership for the community, and oversee the life of the parish.
When speaking of the mission of the parish, the faithful laity need to be as involved as the ministering priests. Clergy and laity together should first of all discuss the needs of the parish and the opportunities to engage in God’s work where they live. One should remember that every parish needs, in addition to the grace of God, human and material re- sources. In particular, we should consider three types of gifts needed in the Church for the fulfillment of her mission: the gifts of time, talents, and treasure (material goods). Pastoral and financial counsels play an important role in a parish. The most important thing is that no one think that they are not needed, for there is much work in the Lord’s vineyard. In the First Letter of St. Peter we read: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Pt 4:10).