Obedience

Obedience:

Jesus merited our redemption by His perfect obedience even unto death. He came into the world to offer the sacrifice of perfect obedience to his Father. His very food was to do the will of the Father. He learned obedience from what He suffered and became the source of salvation for all who obey Him. It is because of Jesus’ obedience unto death that God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every other name.

God values obedience more than sacrifice. The prophet Samuel said to King Saul: “Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission than the fat of rams” (1 Sam 15.22).

“Obey your leaders and defer to them, for they keep watch over you and will have to give an account…” (Heb 13.17).

In early monasticism, the monk took only one vow, that of obedience. The first monks understood that to give obedience is to give all, because obedience includes the observance of poverty, chastity, charity, work, silence, liturgy of the hours, and all else that God requires of a monk.

If we are all called to the same holiness, why should anyone become a religious or priest? Why should one embrace the sacrifices involved in a life of poverty, celibacy, and obedience? One might say, “Because it is the person’s vocation.” That is true, but why does God call some people to this state of life? Does it have any special advantages and benefits for the person or for the Church?

On one occasion, Peter asked Jesus what His disciples would receive in return for leaving all things to follow Him. Jesus promised a hundredfold blessing and eternal life:

“We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on His throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.” (Mt 19.27-29)

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching