Day Thirty-Two: The Fruit of Obedience
Thursday, Fifth Week of Lent
Scripture Passage:
“I solemnly assure you, if a man is true to my word, he shall never see death.” – John 8:51
Opening Reflection:
Obedience to Christ is not just about following rules; it’s about remaining in His love and experiencing the fullness of life. In today’s Gospel, Jesus promises that those who follow His teachings will never see death. This speaks not only to eternal life, but also to the life of joy, peace, and fulfillment that obedience brings us in the here and now. True freedom and joy come from aligning ourselves with God’s will, trusting that His commands are for our ultimate good.
Meditative Reflection:
Jesus’ words challenge us to reframe how we view obedience. Far from being a burden, obedience is the pathway to life and fulfillment. The world often tells us that following rules or submitting to authority limits our freedom. But in the Kingdom of God, obedience is the very thing that sets us free. When we obey Christ, we remain in His love, and His joy becomes our joy. This deep, divine joy flows from our unity with Him, which is the fruit of our faithful obedience.
Saint Bonaventure speaks of the passion for souls, saying that when we no longer burn with love and concern for others, many will suffer from the cold. Our obedience is not just personal it has a communal effect. When we live in obedience to Christ, we share in His love and light, drawing others to Him. Like the Holy Family, our obedience to God’s will becomes the source of strength and hope for others, especially in times of hardship.
Reflection Questions:
Do I view obedience to Christ as a source of freedom or restriction? How can I embrace God’s commandments more fully in my daily life? In what ways has my obedience (or lack of obedience) affected my relationship with God and others?
Lenten Question:
Q: Why is obedience to Christ essential for eternal life?
A: Obedience to Christ is essential because it is the way we remain united to His love. By obeying His word, we open ourselves to receive the fullness of His grace, leading to eternal life. True obedience brings us closer to God and aligns our hearts with His will, resulting in lasting peace and joy.
Lenten Action:
Invite a friend who has been away from Church to come to Mass with you. Participate fully in the liturgy, offering your obedience to Christ as an act of love.
Concluding Prayer:
O Jesus, You perfectly obeyed the will of the Father, and through Your obedience, You brought salvation to the world. Help me to embrace Your commandments with joy and trust, knowing that in them lies the fullness of life. Strengthen my will to follow You faithfully, and grant me the grace to remain in Your love always. Amen.
Resources for Lenten Prayers and Reflections:
Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Lenten Reflections | EWTN | https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/reflections/lent
Lenten Prayers and Daily Reflections | My Catholic Life | https://mycatholic.life/lent-prayers-reflections/