Obedience
Yesterday’s readings from Mass asked us to give even more of ourselves. We are to empty ourselves in order to receive more grace, more blessings, and more of the promised gifts.
In the readings for today, God is sending us the message of obedience. We have developed a disdain for authority in this country and in our church. The Catholic Church does not run as a democracy. It has a “pecking order” and those of us who are the laity have a place and a purpose in this order.
Imagine how difficult it would be for a large company to run efficiently if all the employees decided, day by day, what position they would hold. An approach like that would lead to chaos. Eventually they would end up in a free-for-all if everyone chose the same position on any given day.
A very nice lady in Minnesota I am acquainted with just passed away at the age of 102. Every day this lovely lady went to Mass, and every day she prayed her rosary. She prayed for those in her life who may have strayed from the path that Jesus had given them. She did not criticize or complain. She understood her place in the church and her mission in the world. If the manner in which the Mass was celebrated was a concern of hers, she never said so. If her priests or Bishops, most of whom she outlived, did not perform up to her expectations, she just prayed more.
People like her are the backbone of the Church. They are obedient and prayerful. They recognize what the readings for today are saying. Walk in humility and obedience, and you can change the world. Guard your thoughts and your actions. A friend in AA is always saying, “I change me, and you get better.” That is the core of the message of Jesus.
"The greatest among you will be the one who serves the rest" Matthew 23:11
Catechism of the Catholic Church
901 "Hence the laity, dedicated as they are to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvelously called and prepared so that even richer fruits of the Spirit may be produced in them. For all their works, prayers, and apostolic undertakings, family and married life, daily work, relaxation of mind and body, if they are accomplished in the Spirit - indeed even the hardships of life if patiently born - all these become spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 comments:
The lady you discribed may also be known by the term "saint."
Before you fire-off correction notices, the misspelled word should be "described." So call Tony and his hoodlums back since I already caught the mistake:0)
I actually missed it. You see, I'm realy nott al thet smert.
Thank you for a very timely and thought-provoking post, Adrienne. I agree with Tom in vegas about that lady you mentioned. I want to grow up to be just like her! God rest her dear soul
I like your AA friends' statement, “I change me, and you get better.” We can never change anyone else, but when we change--others no longer have the option to deal with us in the same way--they have to change--good post.
"others no longer have the option to deal with us in the same way--they have to change--"
Tara - such a good way of putting it. I really never thought of it that way.
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