Lenten Meditation

Book 1 Chapter 9: On Being Obedient and Submissive

“They will never have liberty of spirit until they submit wholly to the authority for the love of God”

Obedience, I think this is probably the most difficult of requirement for us to accept.  We must be obedient to the will of God.  This has been the cause of many a fall including the original sin of man.  Adam and Eve could not obey the simple commandment of God not to eat the fruit.  It is difficult because of self- pride. We believe that we know best and because of our fallen nature, we are more likely to do our own will. We also tend to gravitate to those people who agree with us and who hold our views. In other words, we come to the conclusion that we know best.  But if we truly want the presence of God among us, then we must be willing to give up our own way and our own desires for that which God has commanded.  We must be willing to acknowledge that God is the wisest and knows best; not us.  While you may struggle with some of the teachings of the Church, it is out of obedience that you submit to them.  While some teachings are difficult, if you spend the time to understand why the Church (aka God) commands certain things, you will likely fall deeper in love with the church.  During my reconversion to Catholicism, it was in the understanding of the teachings that I began to fall deeper in love with God. I began to realize that my disbeliefs in His teachings was out of pride or even justification for my own sinfulness.  The more a sin consumed me, the more likely I was to try to justify it.  But once I submitted to God, I found a new peace that gave me a deeper comfort than what I have ever felt before.  The rules are there to guide to God and free us from the bonds of hell.  Yes, you must be submissive in all you do.

A Simple Prayer

Jesus,

You endured total submission to your Father,

Teach me the meaning of meekness,

My will complying to the Heavenly Father.

Remove my weaknesses of disobedience,

Shaping me to the will of God Almighty.

Guide me on the road of resignation,

Molding my soul into total submission.

Yours in Christ

Michael F. Marcon