The Joy Of Saying Yes
byTony Micallef ocds
When we think of the promise of obedience
which we make as secular Carmelites,
we realize
that like everything else that comes
with
our vocation, it is a gift and a grace
of
God. Obedience is an instrument and
a path
to freedom. Unlike impulsive responses
to
the dictates of the world, the flesh
and
the devil, which tend to enslave us,
obedience
to God and the Church is in itself
liberating.
"For my yoke is easy and my burden
is
light." It is the way to freedom,
joy
and peace.
In the Precautions of St. John of the
Cross
we read that the soul seeking perfection
should not take on any endeavours out
of
its ordinary duties before seeking
the advice
of the superior. Now all that St. John
of
the Cross wrote refers to souls seeking
to
be perfect, how they behave and how
they
react and respond to the events that
God
puts into their lives. In this sense
St.
John of the Cross is also talking about
Jesus
and Mary and Joseph in the house of
Nazareth.
In that Holy house obedience to the
will
of God reigned supreme, bringing peace,
serenity
and joy. The joy of saying yes to God
who
desires only what is best for His children.
In the Gospel of Luke we encounter
an episode
in the hidden life of our Lord: Jesus
is
twelve years old, an age when a boy
becomes
a man, making his own decisions. Joseph,
Mary and Jesus go on the annual pilgrimage
to the temple in Jerusalem, and when
it is
over, Jesus stays behind. The parents
think
they lost Him so they search for Him
for
three days. And when they find Him,
He answers
their concerns with the words: "Do
you
not know that I have to be in my Father's
house? " This is the moment when
Jesus,
at the age of decision says yes to
His vocation
and lets His parents know that He has
accepted
the Father's call. It is a moment of
joy
(a joyful mystery) because God's plan
moves
a step closer to realization and fulfillment.
Yet Jesus humbly returns home to Nazareth
serving and obeying His parents for
many
years, and, it seems to me, waiting
for their
permission before stepping out into
His public
ministry that would eventually lead
Him to
the cross.
It is inspiring to think that He waited
for
His Mother to give Him the sign to
begin
His ministry. In the Gospel of John
we find
her ready. She urges Him to help in
the wedding
of Cana by providing the missing wine.
And
He so humbly and so obediently says
yes,
manifesting His glory. There is joy
and peace
in obedience, and an assurance that
we are
doing God's will.
Free from the rebellion
with which sinners are beset.
Jesus obeyed His parents
in the house of Nazareth.
He learned the skill of tradesman
as St. Joseph humbly taught.
And to the world of commerce
honest work and peace He brought.
And following His mother,
He pondered in His heart.
How the words the angel told her
would one day His future chart.
O that I would heed, dear Jesus,
the example that You set
through the practice of obedience
in the house of Nazareth!
So lovingly You treasured
with perfection and success.
The command the Father gave You
and the joy of saying yes.