When We think of this season of Ordinary Time, we can remember this acronym: O- Obedience R- Repentance D- Daily I-Introspection
N- Newness A- Alertness R- Rest in the Lord Y- Yearn for Him
For the next nine weeks, I will focus on one acronym a week.
The first is O- Obedience The word “obey” appears 170 times in the Bible. We learned as children, the fourth commandment to obey our parents. A priest when consecrated declares obedience to the bishop, a married couple declares obedience to each other. We have many old testament characters who were obedient such as Abraham sacrificing his first born son.
Above all, the Virgin Mary was obedient to the will of the Father that she be God’s mother. Jesus was obedient to the Father, even accepting death on a cross. How obedient are we in as God’s witness?
The third verse of “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” by Julia W. Howe (1879-1910) with melody written by Willam Steffe (1830-1911) reads: “He has sounded for the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He Is sifting out the hearts of all before his judgement seat; O be swift, my soul, to answer him; be jubiliant my feet! Our God is marching on”. God gives us marching orders. Let us follow in his lead.
St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, is this Sunday’s 2nd Readings Romans 13 reads “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” If we follow God’s law, it is simple, we will be saved. If we do not, we will surely die in our sins.
Let us think of the innocence of children as described in today’s gospel and with a child’s innocence cast aside the heavy yoke of sin and put on rather meekness and gentleness. In so doing, we will be God’s obedient servants.
Psalm 40: 4ab R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will. Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, "Behold I come."