Let us consider, again as an example, the case of the Bishops, since they are the authentic and primary Shepherds within the Church. It is evident that the administration of the possessions of his Diocese cannot be regarded as the principal task of the Bishop. Nor has he been placed there to intervene and to assist, with his activities and opinions, in strictly political matters that are of the exclusive competence of lay people. A Bishop would waste his time –and probably something more— if his greatest preoccupation would consist of occupying a more significant and relevant post. It would be highly convenient, even desirable, that he be a member of the least possible number of Commissions within the Episcopal Conference; the same should apply to the Sub-commissions. His sheep would fell very well pleased, to be sure, if he spent most of his time in his own diocese. His priests –his cherished sons in the Lord— would give thanks to God if they could count on their Father and Shepherd always and at any time, willing to listen to their problems and to see to their needs. If this could happen without the necessary and well-known requisite of a previous appointment, it is to be expected that the joy of these poor priests would reach heights similar to the bliss of Heaven. In connection with this, I cannot but to tell you what happened to a good friend of mine who is a priest.

This good man had a serious problem which worried him terribly; a problem whose answer, according to him, only the Bishop could help to find. Therefore he placed a phone call to the personal secretary of His Excellency to make an appointment.

                --Then, given the urgency and gravity of the matter, could I, please, speak to the Bishop today, or perhaps tomorrow?

The answer of the secretary was disheartening:

                --It is impossible. Today his interview schedule is completely full. Tomorrow, of course, he has to be present at the meeting of the Governing Board.

The poor priest sighed with grief and disappointment.

                --Oh, my goodness! What about the following day?

                --It is not possible either. He has a meeting with the Economic Commission.

                --Yes, yes, I understand. Then any day of the following week will do…, kept on insisting the poor priest feeling more and more wretched.

                --It is totally impossible. He is busy all that week too with a pilgrimage to Lourdes that he is leading.

                --Of course, it is quite all right; I do understand. Then, I guess that my interview must be postponed to the following week?

All the while my friend kept on insisting stubbornly in his desperation, the zealous secretary remained inflexible is his answers dictated by his sense of duty:

                --It cannot be. As you surely know –here one must really understand: as you surely should know—that week is reserved for his meeting with the Episcopal Conference.

At this point, my friend’s voice became fearful and timid:

                --Of course, that is very important. Then…?

                --No, no, it is not possible. Once the Episcopal Conference Assembly is over, the Bishop has scheduled a very important trip, already planned, to Rome. And before you ask me, let me tell you that, at his return, he has to assist to a meeting of the Commission on Schools, for he was appointed its President by the Episcopal Conference. But perhaps you are lucky, for I can make a note of your request for an interview for one month and a half from now; of course, it would be pending on confirmation by the Bishop, which cannot be guaranteed.

My wretched friend, in the highest point of his immolation, added:

                --That is all right, let it be…It is not worth it. Do not bother the Bishop.

Translated from the book "Meditaciones de Atardecer" (pags. 49 - 50)