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Monday, May 6, 1996

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Acts 14:5-18
Psalm 115
John 14:21-26

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the privilege of obedience

"He who obeys the commandments he has from Me is the man who loves Me." —John 14:21

Obedience is one of the main ways we express our love for God. The Lord gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). The Lord reveals Himself to those obeying Him (Jn 14:21) and conceals Himself from the disobedient (see Lk 10:21). The obedient not only know God's revelation but even His dwelling within them (Jn 14:23). In obedience, love is expressed, the Spirit received, God revealed, and His indwelling received. Sin and death entered the world through disobedience, but salvation entered the world through Jesus' obedience (Rm 5:19), even to death on the cross (Phil 2:8).

Obedience is the essence of the Christian life and the heart of our relationship with the Lord. Obedience is one of the most important ways of imitating Christ. It is a prerequisite to exercising authority over the evil one (2 Cor 10:4-6). Obedience is one of our greatest privileges, for the Lord could have accomplished His plan of salvation without letting us participate through obedience. Obedience is a way of life (1 Pt 1:2) and the way of love. Love to obey.

Prayer:  Father, may my love expressed in obedience result in supernatural joy.

Promise:  "The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit Whom the Father will send in My name, will instruct you in everything, and remind you of all that I told you." —Jn 14:26

Praise:  Santiago obeys Christ's teaching about adultery and controls his eyes.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 10, 1995


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 13, 1995