The Twelve Steps to Holiness and Salvation~7 Obedience

For though we walk in the flesh, 

we do not war according to the flesh. 

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, 

but mighty to God 

unto the pulling down of fortifications,

destroying counsels,and every height

that exhalteth itself 

against the knowledge of God, 

and bringing into captivity every understanding 

unto the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

     Jesus was fully obedient to the will of the Father as he shed His Blood for us on the Cross. The month of July, richly flourishing with vegetation and beauty, is dedicated to The Precious Blood of Jesus. As Catholics, we live His promise to be with us always as He, without reservation, blesses us at every Holy Mass. We merely need to obey Him and be present. Yet obedience, our great demonstration of love for God, can be so difficult to practice. Consider the first words of this chapter of Saint Alphonsus Liguori's work, The 12 Steps to Holiness and Salvation: "Perfection consists in the conformity of our will to the will of God." Jesus, as a child gave us the example of being subject to Mary and Joseph. 

     Saint Magdalen de P'Azzi said "A little drop of simple obedience is worth a million times more than a whole vase of the choicest contemplation." Obedience to God in humble acts is of greater eternal value than turning away from Him to perform some "good deed" of great notoriety. " For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it with burnt offerings thou wild not be delighted. A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit a contrite and humble heart O God thou wilt not despise" Psalm 50(51):18-19 Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible.

     This informative chapter challenges and enlightens us with regards to the Divine significance of obedience to superiors in all states of life. "Not serving to the eye as it were pleasing men, but as servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart" Ephesians 6:6 Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible.