Christ the Vine, showing the Apostles who were first appointed as guardians of the Church
"Obedience is always freer and more faithful when it proceeds from love rather than from fear."
The Lord did not leave each man to his own will and thoughts: He did not leave us orphans. In addition to the Spirit that He grants to all, He also gave us the elders of the Church to lead us. The pope, patriarchs, bishops, and priests are given the task of guiding the Lord's flock, and they will have to render an account for their guidance at the Judgment. This burden of responsibility is heavy upon them, and heavy too can be our obedience to them, for their directives may not be according to our opinions. Yet, "that obedience is salvific which is hard: and that which you like and is easy is of little value" (Elder Michael of Valaam).
