53. Why we need to safeguard our authority—ecclesiological
Be shepherds with ‘the smell of the sheep’…people capable of living, of laughing and crying with your people, in a word, of communicating with them – Pope Francis
52. Safeguarding our authority: Doctor of the soul
As priests and religious, we are trained to be adaptive whilst keeping to Church’s law and fundamental teachings. As we exercise our authority, let us always remember that no two places and people are the same.
51. Why we need to safeguard our authority jealously—Christological
As we exercise our duties and make decisions concerning the flock entrusted to us, we should ask ourselves: If Christ was here, what would he do? If Christ was present today, how would he react to this situation?
50. Response to honest feedback—the example of Jesus
If Jesus, who called us, accepted that his subordinates could differ, what about us who are simply “Jesus’ errand boys and girls”
49. The honest response—the lesson from Peter (Matt 16:21-28)
If a bishop or superior privately asks us for feedback, it is uncharitable and unchristian to hide the full realities or worse still, lie that everything is perfect when we know they are not.
48. Authority and different views—Matt 16:13-20
As Jesus did not take offence, let us not take offence; instead, let’s reflect on them. God speaks to us in varied ways.
47. Authority and different views (John 21:1-19)
As Church leaders and collaborators to Church authority, we are to help each other in being effective pastors of Christ’s flock for the growth of the Church and the salvation of our souls.
46. Jesus’ errand boy
We are simply “errand boys”—a term packaged as “servants of the servants of God” and beautified as “vicar of Christ” according to our level on the hierarchy.
45. Simon, son of John
As Church personnel who possess some form of authority over the flock of Christ, we need to realise that our identity comes first before authority and not the other way round.
44. Authority does not always equate to knowledge
It is opportune we recognise the limits of our knowledge when dealing with people. It is pride to assume that because we are an authority, we must provide an answer to questions beyond our competence.