In obedience there is the very essence
of the imitation of Christ, “who redeemed by obedience the world lost by its
lack.” In obedience lies the secret of
apostolic fruitfulness. The more you do
the works of pioneers, the more you need to be closely united with him who
sends you: “All apostolic boldness is possible when the apostles’ obedience is
certain. We are certainly aware that if
obedience demands much from those who obey, it demands even more of those who
exercise authority. The latter are
required to listen without partiality the voices of all of their sons, to
surround themselves with prudent counselors in order to evaluate situations
sincerely, to choose before God what best corresponds to his will and to
intervene with firmness whenever there is departure from that will. In fact, every son or daughter of the Church
is well aware that obedience is the proof and foundation of fidelity.
(Pope
Paul VI, Address to the Members of G. C. 32, [1974])
I also appreciate Cardinal Martini's words: "Neither the clergy nor church law can substitute for a person’s inwardness. All the external rules, the laws, the dogmas were given to us in order to clarify the inner voice and to discern spirits.”
ReplyDeleteI think that the words of Pope Paul VI and the words of Cardinal Martini go hand in hand. Thank you.
If a law is to be a just, legitimate law, it has to bear the witness of God's mercy and protection of the vulnerable individual.
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