Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Obedient Speaks Victory

In the Book of Proverbs it is written thus: "the false witness will meet his doom, but the speech of the obedient will always be heard" (Prov. 21:28). The Latin version (vir obediens loquetur victoriam) literally translates "the obedient person shall speak of victory."

The reason, I believe, is as the root or etymology of the word obedience comes from the Latin ob and audire which means "listening to". It follows that an obedient person learns more of the truth inasmuch as he or she employs time to listen. So it is said of the Blessed Mother upon hearing the words of the angel or of Jesus, or seeing various events happening, "Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart" (Lk. 2:17).

That's how important obedience is, that leads to victory. It is founded in a humility that ever searches and lives the truth. That is why, before you learn to command, you must first learn to listen and obey. Empty yourself of yourself so God's Spirit of love and truth may fill you and bring forth victory.

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