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February 8th: Obedience of Jesus
The obedience of Jesus was the type and pattern
of the only kind of obedience that is really
pleasing to God. It is therefore most important
that we should examine its leading characteristics.
It was a willing obedience. Jesus undertook any
task that was laid upon Him. No thought of discontent,
no secret whisper of complaint was ever
breathed in His Heart, however hard or distasteful
the work assigned Him. Learn from Him never
to murmur in your heart, never to complain, even
though it may cost you much to do the work that
duty imposes. It was, moreover, a cheerful obedience. Jesus received every command with an expression of thankfulness and actual joy, as if it were some boon that was being conferred upon Him. This is the perfection of obedience, to consider the orders given us as gifts from the hand of God, intended by Him as means to our greater good and to our eternal happiness. It was also a blind obedience. He never allowed Himself to question the prudence of the order He received. It was enough for Him that it was an order, coming to Him from one who was in the place of a superior to Him, and who therefore represented Almighty God to Him. How often we, on the contrary, allow ourselves to pass sentence on the arrangements of our superiors. and to condemn them in our hearts, and perhaps with our lips also.
Music: The Shepherds' Farewell
from L' Enfance du Christ Op. 25 by Hector Berlioz
1. Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care! 2. Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd's lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear! 3. Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav'nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild! |