PURGE. SANCTIFY. DEFEND
“ Go rebuild my Church, which you see is falling into ruins.”
WHAT SHOULD A BISHOP BE?
A Bishop is to be a shepherd, a direct ordained descendant of the apostles of Jesus the Christ.
Here are the basic principles to follow.
1. A real Bishop does not lie because he is a christian, he is to be Christlike
His life follows the simple principles of our faith.
The basic moral premise of christianity is we cannot do evil that good may come of it.
Bishops are not exempt from being Catholic and Christian.
You must be a shepard, literally. Shepherds do not embrace wolves. They do not move them from farm to farm. This is not a new problem. The church like any organization will have corrupt people, sinners. What has happened is we have shown a false charity. Mercy without Justice. When have protected the sin, embraced it and given it a place to flourish.
Follow the teachings of the church and the law. In our society people try to manipulate the law or get around it. That is not your job. Because you can get away with injustice is no reason to do it. See number 1
People , families, souls, these are your most valuable precious assets. Guard them, defend them and love them.
Money is important but should never override your moral values. We can’t take it with us. If you are focused on money you are not living a grace filled life nor are you leading the faithful.
Speak the truth, don’t hide it nuance it or politicize it. This is more than don’t lie! Proclaim the gospel. You are not to be a politician, you are to be a shepherd. God is not calling you to to provide us with a tax deduction, he is calling you to defend His teaching.
Lead by example. Do the right thing even when it is hard. God is our judge but you are the leader he gave us. You are not right because you are a Bishop. Power corrupts, authority brings Justice.
Get crucified for the right reason! Get it? This is what it is all about!
There were three people on calvary, two criminals and one savior. Most Bishops are getting crucified today because they are wrong and are doing wrong, evil, immoral things. If you are crucified because you are following your path and not Christ’s then there is no redemption. If you don’t have any cross then you are doing something wrong. We are to be a contradiction to the world not part of it.
If you are going to a dinner with people who disagree with our faith and you are silent then you are a poster child for dissent! Christ went to sinners homes to teach them not for them to teach him.
The world of the Romans was much worse than today but it was changed by 12 men who followed the teachings of Christ. Simple men living the faith.
It is not too late to change your ways. In dioceses where we have just Bishops the faith spreads and flourishes. God is in charge, you have to have faith and follow His will. It is easy to see, if you need to, ask a family. If confused go back to number 1.