Letter 78: Whenever anything happens to the helmsman, the officer at the bow or the highest-ranking sailor takes his place --...

To Eusebius, Bishop of Persian Armenia, Whenever anything happens to the helmsman, the officer at the bow or the highest-ranking sailor takes his place -- not because he has appointed himself helmsman, but because he is looking out for the safety of the ship. In war, when the commander falls, the senior tribune assumes command -- not in a grab for power, but because he cares for his men. And the thrice-blessed Timothy, when sent by the divine Paul, stepped into Paul's role. It is therefore fitting for your piety to accept the responsibilities of helmsman, captain, and shepherd. Run every risk gladly for the sake of Christ's sheep, and do not leave his flock abandoned and alone. It is yours to bind up the broken, raise up the fallen, turn the wanderer from his error, and keep the whole in health -- to follow the example of good shepherds who stand before the folds and wage war against the wolves. Let us remember the words of the patriarch Jacob: "In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes. The rams of your flock I have not eaten. That which was torn by beasts I did not bring to you; I bore the loss of it. From my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night" [Genesis 31:40-39]. These are the marks of the true shepherd. These are the laws of tending sheep. And if the illustrious patriarch took such care of mere cattle and made this defense to the one who entrusted them to his charge, what ought we to do -- we who are entrusted with the care of rational sheep, who have received this charge from the God of all, and who remember that the Lord gave up his life for them?

Letter 78