Much of the difficulty I face at this point in my life resides in teaching children obedience, but obedience that stems from trust . . . not obligation or fear. It’s far from easy, but I know that obedience and trust are crucial for accomplishing anything in this world, from healthy relationships to thriving businesses. As is often the case, God is using all of this to help me grow in my own understanding of Him as Father. He wants this same trust-filled obedience from me, because He is my Father, and His desires for me are the same as the ones I have for my daughters and my students.
Saint Catherine of Siena realized this too. “Obedient people never trust in themselves,” she wrote. Brilliant Doctor that she was, her years of mysticism had empowered her with experiential knowledge that within this obedience lies freedom, although initially obedience can be perceived as the opposite. When I instruct my four-year-old to stay close in the crowded shopping mall, she is being restricted in what she can see and touch. However, more importantly she is being kept safe from a variety of things, whether that’s toppling display cases, germy gunk on the floor, or strangers with ill intentions. Ultimately, my goal is to keep her safe, bring her home with me, and make sure that she keeps on living.
This is God’s main concern with everything He asks of us. He wants to get His children home safely. Everything is about protection and guidance so that we end up somewhere safe and full of happiness where we can be fully alive forever. Comprehending this perfectly, Saint Catherine of Siena urges us, “Turn over the rudder in God’s name, and sail with the wind heaven sends us.” This Doctor of the Church knows well that obedience takes us farther than independence ever could.
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Closing Prayer //
O Jesus, the sickness of sin has damaged much in our world. It has caused many hearts to grow suspicious and doubtful of the trustworthiness of others. Inspire in us Saint Catherine’s sense of trust and obedience. Allow us to feel the winds of heaven carrying us wayward through life and closer to You. Amen.
Reflection Questions //
What is it you think you’ll lose that is keeping you from trusting God?
Is there a time in your life when you’ve “missed out” due to obedience, and then seen it bear fruit?
Grace is a regular contributor to the BIS Blog. She had planned to be a nurse until an encounter with Christ in Confession ignited a spark that resulted in an ongoing career as a high school Theology teacher. Though a cradle Catholic, she continues to be amazed at the depth of peace and joy that can be found within the Faith and can’t help but share that passion with others as a teacher, writer, and speaker. Outside of ministry, she dabbles in a bit of everything, excels in almost nothing, and like most moms, cannot survive without at least one cup of coffee a day. Grace resides in Charleston, SC with her hunky husband and their daughter who looks just like him. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Grace's posts here.
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