THE HOME OF NAZARETH
3. Qualities of this Obedience.
What kind was the obedience there? Exteriorly prompt and internally joyful. It does not suffice to do externally the things that we are ordered. It is indispensable to have that spirit of internal submission which surrenders our judgement and subjects our will.
Moreover, they obeyed in everything, whether pleasant or displeasing, great or small, in the minutest detail. In matters of obedience everything is important. Just one detail can spoil it. Moreover, we must obey whole-heartedly, totally, without adding one iota of our own will. How often do you obey in your own way, just as you like, just when it pleases you, just when you think it convenient? You want to obey, yes, but at the same time you want to do your own will and pleasure. You are, no doubt, ready to do God's will, but without completely shedding your own. It is most pitiful. A very poor shadow of obedience indeed. Look to Jesus and Mary and learn how to obey.
What kind was the obedience there? Exteriorly prompt and internally joyful. It does not suffice to do externally the things that we are ordered. It is indispensable to have that spirit of internal submission which surrenders our judgement and subjects our will.
Moreover, they obeyed in everything, whether pleasant or displeasing, great or small, in the minutest detail. In matters of obedience everything is important. Just one detail can spoil it. Moreover, we must obey whole-heartedly, totally, without adding one iota of our own will. How often do you obey in your own way, just as you like, just when it pleases you, just when you think it convenient? You want to obey, yes, but at the same time you want to do your own will and pleasure. You are, no doubt, ready to do God's will, but without completely shedding your own. It is most pitiful. A very poor shadow of obedience indeed. Look to Jesus and Mary and learn how to obey.
Lastly, obedience must be supernatural, out of a spirit of faith. Look to God and not to the person who commands. In your superior you must see a portait of Christ. This picture of God that is your superior may not often be a model of beauty and perfection. It does not matter. Do not obey out of your likings, out of human affections, out of gratitude nor just in an endeavor not to displease the superior who commands. All that is too human. Obey God and only God and never men as such, but only in so far as they are representing God.
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