Living is Difficult

Obedience ... to God
( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx )

9/25/11 1st Reading: Ezk 18:25-28
2nd Reading: Phil 2:1-11 (or Phil 2:1-5)

Living is difficult. However, living under obedience is extremely difficult. Only those who can perceive things through the eyes of faith and discern the will of God in every circumstance are able to conduct their lives in obedience. Such living demands great courage, humility, and faith. For most people, it is a struggle to live a life of obedience because of the ego, pride, and selfishness. The resulting disobedience in many cases comes about because those who hold the office of authority abuse their power for similar reasons.

Obedience to God should have been the most natural outcome of our existence. Nevertheless, it is not the case. Why? Is God unjust? could it be that He exercises His authority with partiality and selfish motive? Such an assumption is far from reality. Our disobedience is the direct outcome of our sin of pride and selfishness. The human soul is overshadowed with false hopes and endless possibilities, which causes us to disobey the righteous one.

To end the blame game, Jesus the eternal Son of God, took our form in total obedience to God and even accepted a gruesome death on the cross. Such living baffles the human mind but it is also the cause of our true living. In fact, the command for a life lived in obedience is, "Take up your cross daily and follow me." Should we decide to follow the Lord, we cannot ignore His way of life and at the same time live by His command.

The degradation of the moral fiber of society is the effect of people living directly in contrast to the will of God. The growing number of abortions, same-sex marriages is an abomination that reflects the sick society, which prides itself on opposing the will of God. We, the disciples of Jesus, should awaken from our slumber, and seek to do the will of God in total obedience, which is the true wisdom and fullness of life.

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Lectio
* He humbled himself by being obedient to death, death on the cross.
Meditatio
* We are witnesses to the tremendous love of God in Jesus. We have to witness His humility, sacrifice, and total self-giving to others as well.
Oratio
* Let us contemplate the cross - the ultimate sign of God's loving sacrifice.
Actio
* We witness to the cross of Christ if we choose the lowest post or to make a meaningful sacrifice.