Listening with the Heart – Obedience

“Listen carefully, my son, to the guidance of your master. Open not only your ears but your heart. Receive these words willingly and put them into practice with faithfulness. In doing so, through the hard but life-giving work of obedience, you will return to the One from whom you have wandered through the neglect of disobedience.”

The Rule of St Benedict, Prologue 1

The Labour of Obedience

Last week we explored the importance of listening to God with the ear of our heart. Once we have heard what God has to say though, we are faced with a choice. Will we obey?

In many English translations, Benedict speaks of “the labour of obedience.” The word labour has become less familiar in everyday English and is often associated only with physical work. The Latin, however, carries the sense of effort, perseverance and willing commitment.

For that reason I have rendered it as “the hard but life-giving work of obedience.” Benedict does not hide the cost of following Christ. Obedience requires effort. It asks something of us. Yet he also knows that this labour is never empty. It is the work through which God draws us back to Himself and forms us into the likeness of His Son.

The age we live in prizes independence. We are encouraged to follow our hearts, trust our instincts and create our own path. Benedict gently but firmly points us in another direction. He believes the way back to God begins with learning to listen and then having the courage to obey what we have heard.

Our own labour of obedience is usually found in the everyday. It is choosing forgiveness when resentment feels easier. It is speaking truth when silence would protect us. It is keeping our word when it becomes inconvenient. It is remaining faithful in prayer even when God seems distant.

A Practice for the Week

At the beginning of each day, pray the words of Christ:

“Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Carry those words with you.

When you face a decision, whether large or small, pause for a moment before acting.

Ask yourself:

“What would obedience to Christ look like here?”

Then act with courage.

A Prayer