The Shepherd Who Does Not Run Away

Fr. Scott Haynes
5 hours ago
4 min read

Fr. Scott A. Haynes

A Reflection on the Courageous Words of St. Boniface

Among the many saints who shed their blood for Christ, few speak with the clarity and courage of St. Boniface. Writing to his fellow clergy and missionaries amid dangers, opposition, and persecution, he left these stirring words:

"Let us be neither dogs that do not bark nor silent onlookers nor paid servants who run away before the wolf. Instead let us be careful shepherds watching over Christ's flock. Let us preach the whole of God's plan to the powerful and to the humble, to rich and to poor, to men of every rank and age, as far as God gives us the strength, in season and out of season."

These words strike the conscience with unusual force. They challenge not only bishops and priests but every Christian entrusted with the care of souls.

Dogs That Do Not Bark

The image comes from the prophet Isaiah, who condemned Israel's unfaithful watchmen as "dumb dogs not able to bark" (Isaiah 56:10). A watchdog that remains silent when danger approaches fails in its purpose.

The Church exists to proclaim the truth of Christ. Throughout history there has always been pressure to remain silent about uncomfortable teachings. The world readily tolerates a Christianity that blesses what it should condemn, excuses what God forbids, and remains quiet when souls are in danger.

St. Boniface knew that silence can become a form of betrayal. A shepherd who sees spiritual danger approaching but says nothing leaves the flock exposed. Charity sometimes requires warning as well as comforting. A physician who conceals a diagnosis out of fear is not merciful. Neither is a preacher who conceals the truth.

Silent Onlookers

There is another temptation: to become spectators.

Many Christians recognize the moral confusion of the age, the decline of faith, and the suffering of families, yet convince themselves that someone else will act. They observe but do not engage. They see the battle but remain on the sidelines.

The saints never lived this way. They understood that every baptized person has received a mission. The Church advances because ordinary Christians speak about Christ to their children, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

A silent spectator may avoid criticism, but he also forfeits opportunities to lead others to salvation.

Hired Servants Who Flee

St. Boniface borrows another image from the Gospel itself. Our Lord contrasts the Good Shepherd with the hired servant:

"But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flieth." (John 10:12)

The hireling serves only when it is convenient. When sacrifice is required, he disappears.

The history of the Church is filled with courageous shepherds who refused to flee. St. Athanasius endured exile rather than surrender the divinity of Christ. St. John Fisher chose execution rather than compromise the faith. St. Thomas More sacrificed position and prestige rather than betray his conscience.

Their example reminds us that fidelity often carries a cost. The wolf may take the form of persecution, ridicule, social pressure, or personal loss. Yet Christ never promised His followers an easy path. He promised them a cross.

The Whole Counsel of God

Perhaps the most striking phrase in St. Boniface's exhortation is his call to preach "the whole of God's plan."

It is easy to emphasize only those parts of Christianity that are immediately appealing. Yet the Gospel is a seamless garment. We cannot proclaim Christ's mercy while ignoring His justice. We cannot speak of heaven without speaking of repentance. We cannot celebrate God's love while neglecting His commandments.

The saints preached the entire Gospel because they loved souls. They understood that truth and charity are not enemies. Genuine love seeks the eternal good of another person, even when the truth is difficult to hear.

To Rich and Poor Alike

St. Boniface insists that the Gospel must be preached "to the powerful and to the humble, to rich and to poor."

The truth of Christ is not adjusted according to social status. Kings need conversion as much as peasants. Wealth cannot purchase holiness, and poverty does not automatically confer it.

One of the remarkable features of Christian history is the way saints have spoken fearlessly to rulers. St. Ambrose publicly confronted Emperor Theodosius I after a massacre. St. Catherine of Siena admonished popes and princes. They did so not out of pride but because God's truth applies equally to every human being.

In Season and Out of Season

The final phrase echoes the words of St. Paul the Apostle:

"Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season." (2 Timothy 4:2)

Some seasons are favorable. Others are not. Some audiences listen eagerly. Others resist. Yet the Christian mission remains unchanged.

Faithfulness is measured not by success but by perseverance. The farmer cannot control the weather, but he can continue sowing seed. Likewise, Christians cannot control how others respond to the Gospel, but they can continue witnessing to Christ.

A Challenge for Our Time

The words of St. Boniface sound remarkably modern. We live in an age that often rewards silence and compromise. The temptation to become a silent spectator or a fleeing hireling remains as strong as ever.

Yet Christ still seeks faithful shepherds, courageous parents, devoted teachers, holy priests, and committed lay faithful who will proclaim His truth with charity and conviction.

The saint's challenge is simple: Do not be a dog that does not bark. Do not be a silent onlooker. Do not be a hired servant who runs away.

Instead, stand watch over the flock entrusted to you. Speak the truth in love. Defend what is good. Encourage the weak. Correct the erring. Persevere when the task becomes difficult.

For the Chief Shepherd, Christ Himself, sees every act of fidelity. And when He comes again, He will not ask whether the wolves were numerous or fierce. He will ask whether His shepherds remained at their post.