A shepherd who does not impose his counsel

When I began working on this article, some words from the book of Jeremiah came to mind, in which God commits to His people: “I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding” (3:15). I think this summarizes what I expect from my brother priests: a) that they be shepherds; b) that they have a heart like the Lord’s; c) that they perform their duties with wisdom and understanding.

They must be shepherds. This is their role in the Church. I don’t need the priest to be a good friend or a psychologist; I simply need him to be a priest. I seek for him to always be a good shepherd, that is, a man of God who, without ceasing to feel like an instrument—in fact, always feeling like an instrument—is capable of fulfilling his mission: to care for the flock, a flock that is not his, but God’s. A flock made up only of sheep, without distinctions, as in Scripture.

In the sacred text, the flocks to which God refers are always sheep, sheep of different colors, sizes, or ages, as in the episode of Jacob, but always sheep. Before God, there is no distinction, and there should not be any in the priest either. The sheep can be small, young, mature, or old, men or women, healthy, sick, or with dementia. But “all” need care, that help to show the path that makes a personal encounter of the soul with God possible. For this reason, it is necessary for him to dedicate time to listening to confessions, to celebrate the Mass with reverence, and to administer the sacraments with respect.

I expect the priest, in his role of guiding souls, to listen deeply, without pre-judgment, without biases; to understand, value, and enhance the good that each soul possesses. To elevate his gaze, open horizons, and transmit hope; sometimes he will need to heal wounds; at other times, he will accompany steps through the dryness of the desert or provide light when darkness obscures the way.

I also expect him to be able to give good counsel on matters of professional ethics or family morality, while taking the necessary time to respond with wisdom and understanding, as Scripture says (he must continually educate and update himself, and our Mother, the Church, will provide him the means). Then, I expect that he does not impose his counsel, but leaves space for the soul to decide with God. The priest must speak in such a way that, in his advice, what is “his” disappears and becomes the channel through which the soul listens to God. For this, the priest, now more than ever, needs to have a heart that matches the heart of God.

This is only possible if each day he merges with his God through prayer, the Eucharist, frequent personal confession, and seeks to be with Christ in all his activities. Only then will he be the shepherd in the measure of God’s heart.

by Lourdes García Ureña
Full Professor, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Madrid*