Men's Rosary

Growing up, there was never a question about obeying my parents. If I was told to do something, I did it, immediately. If I was told “no”, I accepted and did not sneak off to do it anyway. When I played sports, I listened to the coach. When I worked for others, I followed instructions and did as I was told. When being taught, I listened to the teacher and instructors and completed the tasks assigned. I don’t see as much of this today and it is disheartening. Especially among the laity in the Church.

We are called to be obedient. “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” (Isaiah 1:19) This is a challenge, especially in a culture that is, to a large degree, narcissistic. The tendency is to decide for ourselves what is right and do it in spite of all other things. But we must think outside of ourselves for the good of all. Pushing our agenda is selfish at best and harmful to others at worse.

Christ instituted the Church, and we know that nothing will prevail against her. So, we have a duty to be obedient to her. This includes those who lead the Church. St. Paul tells us, “Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give an account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17) We are also reminded of the DUTY to obey in the Catechism, “The duty of obedience requires all to give due honor to authority and to treat those who are charged to exercise it with respect, and, insofar as it is deserved, with gratitude and good-will.” (CCC 1900)

This does not mean that we are to blindly obey. It is fine to question and discuss. This is the very source of the deposit of faith. However, we are to always have respect and are to be willing and obedient in the process. I always told my children it was fine to disagree and even be mad at me, as long as they were respectful. I see the parallel here in my behavior as a child of God.

Hopefully we all will rest in Christ. The notion of true rest in Christ, to me, is a realization of what humility does for the soul. The practice of obedience will increase the virtue of humility. So, what about obedience? How are we doing with it?

“Without obedience there is no virtue.” (St. Padre Pio)