Catechesis Notes for the Week — What the Hearers Owe Their Pastor? The second half of the section of the Table of Duties, which speaks of the responsibility that “hearers of God’s Word” have for their pastors, highlights the respect and honor pastors are to receive because of the work God has given them to do.  They are called to preach the Gospel, judge doctrine, administer the Sacraments, remit and retain sin, and guard the flock from the assaults of false doctrine and impenitence.  They are accountable to God for being faithful to what He has called them to do.  “Hearers of God’s Word” are to respect and honor their pastors, not because they have no sin or shortcomings, but because they are faithful in the work that they are called to do on the Lord’s behalf.

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