Leaders as caretakers of souls (Saturday, Week 4, Year 1)

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In the 13th chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews, one of the pieces of advice given by the writer is OBEDIENCE TO and IMITATION OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS. The letter gives further details as to why we must obey and imitate our religious leaders. To this end, it highlights: “Obey your leaders and submit to them; FOR THEY ARE KEEPING WATCH OVER YOUR SOULS AND WILL GIVE ACCOUNT” (cf. Heb 13:17a).

What is at stake here is the welfare of the soul. And whatever that directly concerns the soul must be given prior and serious attention. Lifestyles that harm souls are as good as nothing and should be discontinued with or discarded forthwith. Our religious leaders are not just mere figures of entertainment and public adulation; they are caretakers of the soul. We must be certain that any religious leader who is sure of what he/she is or represents will not intentionally do anything that would be inimical/harmful to souls. And that is why we must obey and submit to them as to the Lord.

At the end of the day, God remains the ultimate point of reference insofar as our entire existence is concerned. And that is why the Psalmist affirms that: “the Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want” (Ps 23:1). If we sincerely accept and believe that God is our Shepherd and ultimate Leader, then loyalty to religious leaders will never be questioned. God our leader has entrusted our souls to His co-workers (religious leaders) who thus serve as caretakers of souls. 

The need for religious leaders or caretakers of souls cannot be underestimated. And that is why Jesus had compassion on the people “because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mk 6:34). Did He ignore the people? No! Did He merely sympathize with them without a further concrete action? No! On the heels of knowing that they were like sheep without a shepherd, “He began to teach them many things” (Mk 6:34). He began to take care of their souls. He began to lead them out of ignorance to knowledge. That is what it means to be a leader!

In one way or the other, many (if not all of us) are leaders. Sometimes, there may be people who will look up to us for direction and guidance. Our leadership, our guardianship, our directorship, our “parenthood”, and so on should have “the salvation or welfare of souls” as its primary objective. If we fail in this capacity, then we may have ourselves to blame whenever we are called to give account of our stewardship. A lifestyle that is glaringly scandalous is potentially harmful to souls. In order to edify others, we must pay more attention to our words, actions and inactions.

Prayer:
In all that we do or say, may we seek to edify not to tear down, Amen!

Have a restful weekend!


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