State of the Church: The Celtic Revival (17)
Concerning those bishops, however, who ordain uncanonically, that is for hire, I ask what you decree; Gildas the writer set them down as simoniacs and plagues. Are we really to communicate with them? For many, which is too serious a matter, are known to be such in this province.
– Columbanus, Letter to Pope Gregory
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
– Philippians 3.17-19
Ministry for money
We recall the story of Simon of Samaria, who was much impressed by the power of Peter’s preaching, so much so, in fact, that he sought to purchase that power to use it for his own gain (Acts 8.9-24). Peter condemned his desire and warned him to repent of his sin, for his heart was not right with God. It is from this Simon that the term “simoniac” derives, which means a person who seeks or takes up the work of ministry primarily for pecuniary gain.
Such graspers were active in Paul’s day, already in the early years of the Gospel. They abounded in Britain in the early 6th century, as we saw in the report of Gildas. Columbanus, nearly 100 years later, had read Gildas’ report and wrote to advise Pope Gregory that such activity was widespread (“many”) in the province of Gaul. The bishops who ordained these worthless priests knew they were not fit for the work, but they paid them to become priests for reasons beneficial to the prospering of those same bishops. Those bishops sought to take Columbanus and his team under their authority, and to offer them the Lord’s Supper (“communicate with them”) on their terms.
Columbanus refused, of course. These bishops had no authority over him, and even if they had, Columbanus would not have received the Supper at their hands. All he could do to try and rectify the situation was to continue his own work and call on the pope to get his bishops and priests in line.
Columbanus knew that Gregory was a good and wise man and a faithful shepherd of the flocks of God. He had read Gregory’s Pastoral Rule, which still today offers a wealth of instruction, advice, and common sense for those who are called to the work of ministry. Columbanus sincerely hoped that Gregory might be able to accomplish reform among the churches in Gaul. But it would not happen in either of their lifetimes.
Pray for your pastor
This is why we need to pray for our pastors. Pastors are not immune to temptation. Nor are they so far along in their walk with the Lord that they are impervious to sin. Satan knows our weaknesses. And he has a large catalog of ways to approach each of us with the suggestion of sin and some sweet-sounding rationalization to grease the skids into transgression.
Pastors are in a place of authority. The people they serve tend to elevate them—put them on a pedestal, as we say—and thus to esteem them for their abilities and to turn a blind eye to their shortcomings. But pastors can fall prey to everything from pride to promiscuity, as we have seen too often over the past couple of decades.
Pastors also bear large responsibility, especially in looking well to know the condition and needs of the people they serve (Prov. 27.23) and to equip them for the work of ministry their calling requires (Eph. 4.11, 12). The work of a shepherd, as Jesus explained in John 10, is demanding—to know the people they serve, lead them in pursuit of the Kingdom and glory of God, defend them against false teaching and sin, sacrifice for them in many ways, bring other sheep into the flock, and help everyone grow in our great salvation. To fulfill this high and holy calling, pastors will need our prayers.
Paul sought the prayer support of those he served. Your pastor may not ask outright for prayer, but all pastors need it. Let’s not fail in our duty to love our pastors and hold them up in prayer.
For Reflection
1. What can you do to improve the consistency and focus of your prayers for your pastor?
2. Whom will you encourage today in praying for your pastor?
Psalm 28.8 9
Angel’s Story: O Jesus, I Have Promised
Our strength are You, O Savior, our strong defense and sure.
Anointed with Your favor, we rest in You secure.
Save us, and bless us, Jesus, upon us turn Your face.
With shepherd’s care, LORD, keep us forever in Your grace.
T. M. Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
For good study complementary to this, check out Such a Great Salvation. It’s free in The Ailbe Bookstore.
Other columns of interest: This week: In our ReVision series on “The Church” we look at David as an example of a visionary leader. Our Read Moore podcast is working through our book, The Kingdom Turn. The focus of our Scriptorium daily study is on “Matthew: The Coming of the Kingdom.” Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
