Obedience.
“All, therefore, they shall say to you, observe and do.” — St. Matt. 23:3.
FOURTEENTH DAY.
To have entire obedience, it must be shown in three things — in the execution, in the will, and in the judgment. In the execution, by doing promptly, joyously, and punctually what the Superior orders; in the will, by willing only what the Superior wills; in the judgment, by being of the same sentiments as the Superior. — St. Ignatius Loyola.
St. Magdalene of Pazzi possessed what is called blind obedience; she obeyed without reasoning. Whenever ordered to perform any duty, she would say: “The Superior is right, my will is her,” and obey with joy. Our Lord inspired her to practice some great mortification; but before doing so, she consulted her Superior, who did not give her permission at first. She abstained, therefore, from practicing it, despite her own will and the revelations she had had.
“I admire the little Infant of Bethlehem,” said St. Francis of Sales. “He Who knew all things, Who had so great power, suffered them to do as they pleased with Him, without ever saying a word.”
Prayer.
My God, grant that I may obey with joy, with promptness and punctuality, whatever is commanded me. I will obey blindly, without reasoning, in everything that is not sin.