Monday, September 2 (August 20), 2024
2Cor. 2:4-15; Mt. 23:13-22

“Woe unto you… for ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men” [Mt. 23:13].  These words are properly addressed to any bishop who neither personally shows the way of salvation to the people, nor demands that from the clergy in his diocese.  Likewise, these words are addressed to any priest who fails to care about his flock, who fails to teach them what they need for salvation. 

Because of that, a lot of the people remain blind: some of them rest assured that they are “all set”, and others, while aware of a wrong path they have taken, still do nothing to correct it, for they have no guidance.  Also, because of that, superstitions abound among the believers; sects and cults are successfully recruiting members, and any bogus idea or wrong teaching finds numerous followers.

A typical priest would view his parish as “normal”, getting alerted to the trouble when it is already too late.  In fact, however, he should regard continual education of both adults and children as his primary duty, as the his urgent responsibility.  Passing the buck to the school is not an option.  The priest must gather the children in the church for special instruction, or invite them to his home on Sunday evenings, or at any other time or place, ─ reaching out and sharing  the light of the faith with his flock.

Read more about the author