Chapter 2.6-10
| Let the abbot always remember that at the fearful judgment of God, not only his teaching but also his disciples’ obedience will come under scrutiny. The abbot must, therefore, be aware that the shepherd will bear the blame wherever the father of the household finds that the sheep have yielded no profit. Still, if he has faithfully shepherded a restive and disobedient flock, always striving to cure their unhealthy ways, it will be otherwise: the shepherd will be acquitted at the Lord’s judgment. Then, like the Prophet, he may say to the Lord: I have not hidden your justice in my heart; I have proclaimed your truth and your salvation (Ps 49 [40]:11) but they spurned and rejected me (Isa 1:2; Ezek 20:27). Then at last the sheep that have rebelled against his care will be punished by the overwhelming power of death. |
Commentary
The one thing we owe God is the gift of listening. We must be able to listen to his voice and act on it out of love. We are responsible for carrying out our duties and motivating those around us to live in Christ.
Listening to God and acting out of love supresses our ego and allows us to live for a more noble purpose: The love of God. We need a community of faith-filled people to teach us how to live for others, say no to our egos, and be servant leaders to each other.
Every person we meet in life belongs to God. Each person has a right to know God personally. Each person has a right to accept the invitation to follow and respond to God’s love. May we not hinder this encounter.
Prayer
Loving Father, temper my will so you live in my heart entirely. Help me listen attentively to your heart. Amen.
Enlarge my heart 
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