THE BISHOP MUST MASTER
SCRIPTURES
Meditating daily on Sacred
Scriptures will restore to the bishop his sense of responsibility and
the right perspective with regard to the heavenly life. . .which is
destroyed by his daily contact with men. Because he is
staying in a secular society, he should often renew his love for his
spiritual homeland.
A bishop's continuous
converse with men causes his mind and soul to deteriorate and
eventually to go to ruin. . .unless he pursues continuous instruction
in the spiritual life.
St. Paul, speaking to
bishops, said: "Till I come, attend thy readings."
David adds: "Oh, how lovely are thy laws, O Lord. It
is my meditation all the day."
The setim wood of the Ark
of the Covenant, an incorruptible timber, symbolizes strong and
persevering teachers. We must all seek these kinds of teachers,
teachers who always adhere to the instructions of Scriptures.
The setim wood is overlaid with gold, symbolizing the splendour of the
holy lives of teacher-bishops. And the setim wood must never be
out of the rings. . .meaning the bishop must never depart from the
occupation of Holy Reading so that, when consulted on spiritual
matters, he will not give answers divorced from the teachings of
Christ.
St. Gregory the Great: Pastoral
Care, Chapter 11, Part II
(05-18-05)
