General Intention:

(January 31, 2009) Holy Father’s General Intention for the month of February is that the Church's pastors may be ever more docile to the action of the Holy Spirit as they teach and serve the people of God. This month Pope Benedict XVI asks us to pray for Pastors- Bishops, Priests and deacons-that they may allow themselves to be directed by the Holy Spirit as they teach and serve. A pastor of the church is a shepherd whose job is to protect and feed the flock, and even like the Good Shepherd, to lay down his life for the sheep. To serve others as Christ did require that pastors allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit. For it is only by the Holy Spirit that a person can understand the truth of the Gospel, much less teach and serve in accordance with it. The Spirit is powerful but it does not overwhelm one’s free will. A person, who seeks to be guided by the Holy Spirit, must be docile and willing to be led by him. Pope Benedict urges all pastors to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in prayer. “A fundamental priority of the priestly life,” said the Holy Father, “is to be with the Lord and thus to have time for Prayer.” A priest who lives with the Lord will be available to men and women, the sick, the suffering, the dying and the children. The Holy Spirit wants to transform all pastors into the image of Christ, and wants to enlighten, strengthen and guide them into fruitful service that glorifies God. Therefore the intention invites us to pray that all will seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in everything they do. We also pray for the pastors that they may be available to the task, obedient to the Holy Spirit.