Let the pastor be discreetly silent and to the point when he speaks

Treasures of Our Faith with Deacon Richard Vehige

On the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first reflect on a passage from the beginning of the letter of the apostle Paul to Timothy (1: 1-20) entitled “The mission of Timothy, Paul, a preacher of the Gospel”. Our treasure, which follows, is from the Pastoral Guide by Saint Gregory the Great, pope.

Saint Gregory was born at Rome around the year 540. He rose through various public offices to the prefecture which he renounced. He entered the monastic life and, once ordained deacon, he discharged the duties of the legate at Constantinople. On September 3, 590 he was elevated to the Chair of Saint Peter and he proved to be a true shepherd by carrying out his office, helping the poor, spreading and strengthening the faith. He wrote extensively on moral and theological subjects. He died on March 12, 604.

The Book of Pastoral Rule, also known as Pastoral Care, is a treatise written by pope Saint Gregory the Great that provides guidance for the clergy on how to lead their churches and manage their lives. The book is considered one of the most influential works on the topic and has been a source of edification for centuries.

The First Letter of Paul to Timothy insists on the need to shun unorthodox teachings and dangerous speculations and reiterates the qualities expected of bishops and deacons. Paul encouraged Timothy and offered strength to help him carry on after Paul’s impending death. Paul was aware that his time was short, and he desired to see Timothy, whom Paul figuratively called “my dearly beloved son”.