Saint Joseph, Guide Me in Mastering the Art of Obedience.
Introduction
Saint Joseph, I humbly ask for your guidance and wisdom as I strive to cultivate a spirit of obedience in my life. Teach me how to align my actions with my values and responsibilities, and help me understand the importance of following direction and instruction, both from others and within myself. Enable me to embrace discipline and commitment, and to recognise the blessings that come from living a life of faithful obedience.
Scripture Reading
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” - Matthew 1:24
“Not my will, but yours be done.” - Luke 22:42
Reflection
St. Joseph chose to obey in silence, demonstrating a remarkable strength of character. When the angel spoke to him, delivering a message of divine significance, he did not hesitate to follow the directive. Even when the path ahead was unclear, he remained steadfast in his commitment to obedience. He willingly accepted the sacrifices that came with his choices, understanding that true obedience sometimes meant setting aside personal comfort and desires. Interestingly, there are no recorded words attributed to St. Joseph in the Scriptures. His story is told not through spoken dialogue but through his actions. Each time Heaven offered guidance or instruction, St. Joseph responded with unwavering resolve: he took action without delay, voiced no arguments, and sought no negotiations.
His example of obedience was not merely a personal choice; it was a profound act that shaped the destiny of salvation history itself. The Son of God, who came into the world for the redemption of humanity, grew and thrived under the care and authority of a man who understood what it meant to live under the authority of God. In this way, Joseph's life became a testament to the profound impact that faithful obedience can have in the unfolding of divine plans.
Obedience is often misunderstood in our contemporary society. Many perceive it as a sign of weakness, a submission that diminishes personal strength. However, true obedience is actually rooted in the deep strength of character. It requires profound humility, an understanding that we are part of something greater than ourselves, and a willingness to trust in that greater plan, even when it is difficult. It calls for a surrender of our own desires and ego.
The life of Joseph serves as a powerful reminder of this concept. He exemplifies that one cannot lead effectively if they have not first submitted to the will of God. A man who lives in disobedience cannot expect to raise children who embody the principles of obedience. Obedience, in this sense, becomes a transformative force; it brings order to the heart, tempers pride, and aligns our decisions with the divine will that guides us.
St. Joseph’s prompt obedience is a noteworthy lesson for all of us. It prompts us to reflect personally:
- Am I resisting God’s will, especially when it disrupts my plans or conveniences?
- Do I choose to obey only when it suits me, or do I commit to complete obedience, even when it is challenging?
- Is my prayer life properly influencing my decisions in ways that honour obedience to God's guidance?
- Are my community members/children witnessing my commitment to obedience, learning from my example, Leader/ Parents, how to trust and submit to divine authority?nts
- I must ask myself: Where is God calling me to surrender more deeply, to trust Him fully, and to embody the spirit of obedience in my life?
St. John of the Cross and the Virtue of Obedience
St. John of the Cross, a prominent 16th-century mystic and theologian, is well-known for his profound insights into the spiritual life and the importance of obedience in the Christian journey. Obedience, for St. John, was not merely a set of rules to follow; it was integral to achieving true union with God. He believed that through obedience, individuals learn to surrender their own will and desires, allowing them to be moulded by divine grace. This self-surrender is essential for anyone seeking a deeper spiritual experience, as it fosters humility and trust in God's plan.
St. John emphasised that obedience should be rooted in love rather than fear or obligation. He viewed it as an act of love that fosters a close relationship with God and helps cultivate a life of virtue. His writings often reflect the idea that authentic obedience leads the soul to a transformative journey of faith, ultimately guiding it to a life of greater holiness.
By exemplifying the virtue of obedience in his own life, St. John of the Cross serves as a model for believers today. His teachings encourage both clergy and laypeople to embrace obedience as a path to spiritual freedom and deeper communion with God, reminding us that through yielding to divine will, we may discover the true essence of our purpose.
Practical Ways to Emulate St. Joseph
a. Obey Promptly in Small Matters This Week: This day, make a conscious effort to obey the small requests and expectations that come your way. Whether it’s helping a colleague with a task, following through on a family obligation, or adhering to daily responsibilities, respond to these situations with readiness and a willing heart. By paying attention to these details, you cultivate an obedience that reflects Saint Joseph's spirit.
b. Follow Through on Commitments: Make it a priority to honour your commitments, no matter how big or small. If you’ve agreed to participate in a meeting, volunteer for a project, or attend a gathering, show up and contribute your best effort. Reliability builds trust and demonstrates your integrity, qualities that Saint Joseph exemplified throughout his life.
c. Accept Correction Without Defensiveness: This day, practice being open to feedback from others, whether it’s in a professional setting or personal relationships. Instead of reacting defensively when receiving criticism, take a moment to listen and reflect on the input. A humble attitude towards correction can help you grow and improve, much like how Saint Joseph accepted his role and responsibilities during challenging times.
d. Pray Daily: “Lord, Not My Will But Yours”: Set aside time each day for prayer, focusing on surrendering your desires to God's will. You might choose a quiet moment in the morning, during a lunch break, or before bed to meditate on this prayer. Emphasising this intention can deepen your faith and align your actions with divine guidance, just as Saint Joseph did when he followed God's direction without hesitation.
e. Submit Major Decisions to Prayer Before Acting: Before making significant life choices, take time to pray and seek guidance. Consider setting aside specific moments in your week to reflect on these decisions in prayer, asking for wisdom and clarity. This practice encourages you to step back and involve God in your discernment process, mirroring the thoughtful and prayerful approach of Saint Joseph in his own pivotal moments.
Ultimately, embracing these practices can help nurture spiritual authority in your life, channelling the obedience and faithfulness exemplified by Saint Joseph.
Novena dedicated to St. Joseph.
Let us pray,
O Saint Joseph,
Most Devout and Obedient servant of God,
guide me in my journey of faith.
Teach me to willingly surrender my own desires
and ambitions to the divine will of our Lord.
Help me to recognise and remove any pride or stubbornness
that may reside in my heart,
standing in the way of true obedience.
Grant me the grace to respond promptly and
wholeheartedly to God's calling.
Form within me a spirit of humility,
so that I may lead others not out of my own strength,
but through a deep submission to His divine plan.
May my obedience to God’s will foster an environment of order, peace, and abundant blessings within my home and all aspects of my life.
With sincere faith, I ask for your intercession. Amen.
1 Our Father..., 1 Hail Mary..., 1 Glory be to the Father...
Our Holy Father St. Joseph, Pray for us
Dr Nicholas Macedon OCD, Director of JJCIS
Jeeva Jyothi Carmelite Institute of Spirituality (JJCIS),
Old Gandarvakottai,
Pudukottai - 613301.
Tamil Nadu, India
What's app - +91 - 9698453101
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