OBEDIENCE
Obedience is one of the foundation stones of Christian life. There is never a time when it is not relevant. We are always called to listen and respond to the word God speaks to our hearts.
This is true in every aspect of our lives yet, I’m a little surprised to find myself writing about it in Eastertide. Central as it is it’s we are more likely to connect it to Lent or Advent than to Eastertide.
It’s possible that we mistakenly connect Eastertide with more positive ideas. Joy, awe, praise, thankfulness more readily come to mind in this season. None of these are easy, but, on a surface level at least, they feel a little more comfortable than obedience.
Yet, in today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles Peter puts obedience at the heart of the Easter message. When he is challenged by the Sanhedrin about why he has disobeyed them he replies:
“Obedience to God comes before obedience to humans…”
His words are an inspiration and a challenge. Obedience is hard work, though it doesn’t require that we risk our lives as those first disciples did. It will challenge us to put ourselves aside in real and costly ways. It requires a constant attentiveness to God’s word and to the needs of our times. It constantly calls us to discern where we hear the voice of God and to act on it regardless of personal preferences.
Where is the risen Christ calling you to take obedience seriously this Eastertide?