The Holy Priest-Martyr Eleutherius; Our Venerable Father Paul of Latra (956); Our Holy Father Stephen the Confessor, Archbishop of Surozh (8th century)
Nativity Fast
Titus 1:5-2:1; Luke 20:9-18
Read Titus 1:5-2:1
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Church leadership requires great wisdom, courage, integrity, and, sometimes, a firm hand. This is true for anyone in a leadership role in the Church, from youth minister to bishop. But, for a moment, consider what Paul writes about those selected for the highest office in the Church: the bishop (often translated as overseer in the scriptures).
The bishop is required to be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. His role is to teach, govern, and sanctify. He has a responsibility for the salvation of every person under his jurisdiction, from layperson to priest, from abject sinner lost in the clutches of a deeply sinful life to the pious grandmother who attends daily services. This demands all of the virtues that Paul lists. He also has the responsibility to be a voice and advocate for the Church to those outside the Church. This requires an added level of diplomatic skill.
A bishop is also responsible for the teaching of the faith and for the correction of those within the Church who openly contradict it. Sometimes, this requires a courageous heart and a firm hand. There are politicians who consider themselves to be Catholic and at the same time promote and take steps towards enacting policy in direct contradiction to Church teaching, for instance on abortion, euthanasia, treatment of refugees, and same-sex marriage. When a prominent public figure so openly proclaims by their actions that one can both be an observant Catholic and, for example, promote the slaughter of innocents, their bishop needs to stand up to them and firmly, yet charitably, correct them.
St. Ignatius of Antioch taught us that wherever the bishop is, the Church is there also. We need our bishops, as successors of the Apostles, for the sacraments and for the very existence of the Church. We need them to oversee the governance, teaching, and sanctification of the Church—of us! We need them to be courageous in the face of challenges—from within and from without—that only they can properly address.
The spirit of the age almost always contradicts the spirit of the Gospel. Going along with the spirit of the age is usually the easier, more socially acceptable way to go. But we need our bishops to be agents of the Gospel, regardless of the consequences.
Pray for your bishop, whoever he is. Pray that he is sustained by grace in charity, hospitality, and holiness. Pray that he remains courageous and faithful.