Search
-
November 14, 2019Saint Paul’s pastoral letters
Toward the end of his life, Saint Paul wrote three special letters that were not directed to specific communities but to two men with heavy responsibilities, Timothy and Titus. These three letters, two to Timothy and one for Titus, are concerned with the work of a pastor in caring for the community or communities under his charge. That is why they are called “pastoral letters.” They guide the pastors, shepherds, in the care of their flocks.
Here are seven quotes that give us a framework for excellent pastoral leadership:- 1 Timothy 3, 2-6: Leaders Lead a Good Life: “…irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the Church of God? He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the devil’s punishment.”
- 2 Timothy 1, 8-12: Leaders Witness the Gospel to Others: “So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed preacher and apostle and teacher.”
- 2 Timothy 1, 13-14: Leaders Love Truth: “Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.”
- 2 Timothy 2, 8-10: Leaders Suffer for the Sake of the Gospel and the Church: “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But, the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.”
- Titus 2, 11-14: Leaders Live Temperately: “For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.”
- Titus 3, 1-2: Leaders Promote Obedience and Gracefulness: “Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise. They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone.”
- Titus 3, 9: Leaders Avoid Foolish Arguments: “Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and futile.”
There are many more great recommendations from Saint Paul on how to be great leaders within the Church, but these are a good start. Together, we thank God for having inspired Saint Paul in these pastoral letters. Amen.
