Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants. Proverbs 27:23-27
“According to the Council of Trent, the bishop should personally visit all the places in his diocese at least every two years. The inconvenience in traveling certainly does not dispense one from this obligation; for it is the indispensable duty of the pastor, in spite of in conveniences and fatigue, to examine into the condition of his flock so as to provide for their wants. How many times did not St. Charles continue his visits notwithstanding the fever from which he suffered! It was a maxim of his that a bishop should go to bed only after the third attack of fever. On one occasion, in order to make a visitation in a certain place, he crept on his hands and feet through the mud and snow. And St. Francis de Sales, as we also read in his Life, in order to visit certain places was also obliged to drag himself along roads that were so bad that his feet were badly bruised, and he could not stand erect for several days. At other times he had to pass the night sleeping on leaves of trees, and when his friends begged him not to expose his life in this manner, he said “It is not necessary that I should live, but it is necessary that I should perform my duty.”
Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 459.
I am traveling again this week. Headed back to Pakistan tomorrow to activate two new staff members. Praise God. Yet, I had some back spasms this weekend which might make this trip challenging. I will do my duty by the grace of God.
On the way I will write a scholarly paper for an International Consultation on Enterprise Risk Management for Churches and Nonprofits. I scanned chapters from five books and will carry another three on the plane. Peaceful place to write!
My topic is entitled “Stewardship of the Mission and Risk: Policy development and protocol establishment with
standards to foster a culture of integrity before God and man.” So today’s post on duty gives me inspiration.
Notice that the Council of Trent urged overseers to make personal visits to “examine the condition of the flock and provide for their wants.” This echoes the wisdom of today’s Scripture passage.
Knowing and examining the condition of whatever God has called each of us to steward and providing necessary care are vital actions to ensure the ongoing sustainability of life, of ministry, and flourishing for all.
The consultation takes place online from 7:30-9:00am Denver Time on 6-9 May 2025. Download the concept note here. Click here to register. If you register that should get you free access to all the papers. They aim to help you do your duty.
And what does this have to do with generosity. I think the missing piece in ministry worldwide is good governance. That’s the oversight the Council of Trent called for, which echoes Paul in texts like Titus 1:5.
Doing our duty and ensuring good governance coupled with diligent risk management despite mud and snow, sometimes sleeping on leaves, or battling back spasms, comes into view as priceless generosity.