the holy orders
"I too am a man who knows the meaning of an order." —Luke 7:8
Jesus is Lord! A lord gives orders. The way to please a lord is to ask for an order. For example, the centurion sent the message to Lord Jesus: "Just give the order and my servant will be cured" (Lk 7:7). This man understood what it meant to be a lord and have authority over others. He understood Jesus.
We also should seek orders from Jesus, our Lord, the Lord of lords. We should read the Bible looking for an order to obey immediately. When we pray, we must not give the Lord orders but sit at His feet, listening to His words (Lk 10:39). We should constantly say: "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:9). Also, the Lord wants us even to delight in obeying the parents, husbands, pastors, employers, and leaders He has sent into our lives. In this way, we show our delight in His lordship.
We love Jesus' orders even more than His promises. We delight in the law of the Lord (Ps 1:2). Jesus' lordship is not merely a title but our way of life. It is our joy to submit to and serve the Lord. Alleluia! Jesus is Lord!
Prayer: Jesus, may I live to do Your will, not mine.
Promise: "First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for all men, especially for kings and those in authority, that we may be able to lead undisturbed and tranquil lives in perfect piety and dignity. Prayer of this kind is good." —1 Tm 2:1-3
Praise: St. John died for Jesus while in forced exile because of his bold public stand for holiness.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 22, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 24, 1999