Ave Maria!— April’s Theme: Obedience
“If your will prefers something other than that which is indicated by the superiors, react with vigor; if the intellect clearly sees that the contrary is true, don’t believe it; if an angel appears to you or the Blessed Mother or Jesus Himself, pay them no heed, spit in their face, because it is the devil who, under their appearance, sets himself against obedience.” (SK #328)
who is my superior? Priest, theologian, bishop, spiritual director, Holy Father – what if none of these agree?
Dear E. Gormley,
Having a superior and the vow of obedience is one of the greatest graces for those who enter religious life. For the laity, this can be approximated by choosing a wise and holy spiritual director. In general we can say that his counsels, as long as they are not evidently sinful, should be followed. (cf. The part of spiritual direction in “The Theology of Christian Perfection” by Antonio Royo)
Ave Maria!
Dear Fr. Ignatius,
Yes, thank you very much. I know this is true. I have a particular problem for which no one has an answer – no matter whom I ask. And that is to be expected as it is a very difficult conundrum.
As it is, I thought I had a spiritual director, but because of a terrible lie that is no longer possible. Not his fault at all, but the way it fell out.
Still, I am grateful for your reply. You have no idea how much.
Yours in Christ, Liz