Obedience
"The Devil doesn't fear austerity but holy obedience."
St. Francis de Sales
For Reflection:
Why would the Devil be fearful of obedience? How much fear am I willing to cause him today?
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Obedience
"The mind [must be] ever on the alert to discover the indications of Providence, and the will prepared to carry them out."
St. Vincent de Paul
For Reflection:
To what extent do I go through my day "alert to discover the indications of Providence?" In other words, do I actively seek for the will of God in and through the events of my daily life? Can I think of one strategy that would help me to do so?
Obedience
"He is a Christian, a true Christian, who subjects himself to the rule of the one and only Word of God."
Origen
For Reflection:
In light of this quote, am I a "true Christian?" What in me still needs to be brought into right order with the Word of God?
Obedience
"Obedience is servility only to those who have not understood the spontaneity of love."
Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
For Reflection:
What do I think is the relationship of love to obedience?
Obedience
"I know the power obedience has of making things easy which seem impossible."
St. Teresa of Avila
For Reflection:
How does obedience make things easy - even if they seem impossible?
Obedience
"A little drop of simple obedience is worth a million times more than a whole vase of the choicest contemplation."
St. Maria Maddalena De Pazzi
For Reflection:
Today, I will count my "little drops of simple obedience." How many have I had?
My Secret Garden
Yesterday I was doing some weeding in my garden and there, once again, I came upon my archenemy -- a prolific weed against which I wage a war. Sprouting tendrils from the mother plant, it creeps its way along the ground’s surface in search of one of my pretty blossoms and blooms. Spying its prey, it coils itself around my dainty bloom, plants a root system nearby, and attempts to suck the life out of my lovely flower. Also, click here for all information related to flowers.“Aha, “ I said. “We meet again!” And mustering up energy and strength, I waged a fierce battle, grabbed it by its vine and yanked it out, triumphant for the moment!
But before I too quickly raised a toast to victory, I knew the war had not been won. The weed would return. Yes, it would come back again, impervious to my latest win. In this war, vigilance was required, steadfastness of heart, fortitude and resolve, humility and perseverance. These would hold me firm in my fight, and help me sustain the zeal and vigor that I need.
Yes, with the help of grace, the battle will be won – maybe not in time, perhaps only in eternity, when I see Jesus face to face, and all is made new (Rev. 21:5).
Obedience
"Obedience unites us so closely to God that in a way transforms us into Him, so that we have no other will but His. If obedience is lacking, even prayer cannot be pleasing to God."
St. Thomas Aquinas
For Reflection:
Why do I think prayer is not pleasing to God without obedience? Where have I been disobedient to God in the past, or now presently? To what extent have I seen my disobedience affect my prayer?
Dear Bonnie...
A few days ago a member of my high school graduating class passed away. Bonnie had always been the type of person who was on the periphery of events, parties, dances, and all of the social things that make up a high school experience. In many ways, she was challenged – not intellectually but in other ways that can make teenage years tough.
Her last days sound as if they were as challenging as those earlier days. And she left the world seemingly bereft of the parents whom she buried and any close personal friends. Fortunately, another classmate was made aware of her death through a professional acquaintance. He notified the rest of us.
Obedience
"Analyze and foresee, organize and command, coordinate and control, these are the prudential duties of one who is charged with a mission of authority."
Gustave Thils
For Reflection:
Do I believe these qualities are important to "one who is charged with a mission of authority?" Why or why not? What is the difference between being in control and being controlling? Do I emulate any of these qualities? Which? Is there one I need to grow in most? Which?
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