The Pastoring Church

The ecclesial life consists of caring. For many brethren, the word means that they always have someone to care for them. In this sense, the word is correct, no doubt. Nevertheless, it is dangerous, at the same time. It is correct, the reason is well-known. The human being who always finds someone to care for him, lives in eternal warmth. Yet, it is also dangerous, if we accept this care as if it pushes us to remain dependent in our life and our ministry. The goal of pastoral care is for grace to transform us into responsible people. By nature, the Church is pastoring, that is, every member in it, whatever his position is, cares and is cared for. I would understand you if you are surprised by these words. This is what happened to me, at the beginning of my commitment, when I heard one of the brethren openly declare that we, from our elders to our younger ones, are both pastors and parish. Watch out for the danger of dependence. The new life is a transition from maturity to maturity.