Obedience.
“All, therefore, they shall say to you, observe and do.” — St. Matt. 23:3.
TENTH DAY.
Many religious as well as other persons have become saints without passing much time in exercises of piety; but not one of them became a saint without obedience. — St. Francis of Sales.
A lay-Brother in the monastery of St. Bernard was dangerously ill. The saint visited him, and encouraged him by telling him he would soon pass from this place of pain and suffering to eternal rest. “Yes,” he said, “I have confidence in the divine mercy, and feel assured of enjoying soon the happiness of being with my God.” St. Bernard, fearing it might be presumption in him to speak thus, replied: “What is it you say, my Brother? At one time you had nothing, were so miserable, could scarcely live. God loved you and placed you here, where you have wanted for nothing. Instead of thanking Him for His benefits, you presume to a place in His kingdom as if it belonged to you by inheritance.” “My Father,” replied the sick man, “what you say is true; but have you not preached that the kingdom of God is not obtained by riches or nobility, but that by obedience we may gain it? I have acted upon that maxim which you have so often repeated. I have never failed to obey those who commanded me; of this you can be informed by those in the monastery. Why, then, should I not confidently expect what you have promised on the part of God?” This answer so pleased the saint that, in speaking afterwards to his religious on obedience, he related this circumstance.
Prayer.
My God, grant that I may never forget that the kingdom of God is acquired by obedience. It is by obedience one becomes a saint.