We Christians have told God we will obey Him, but many of us haven't. We have persisted in mass disobedience for years. Unbelievers have told God they will not obey Him, but many of them have changed their minds and do what God wants. Jesus said: "I assure you that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you" (Mt 21:31). "None of those who cry out, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Mt 7:21).

"Obedience is better than sacrifice" (1 Sm 15:22), although sacrifice is so important the Father sent His Son to be sacrificed on Calvary for us. Jesus obediently accepted even death on the cross (Phil 2:8). Through His "obedience all shall become just" (Rm 5:19). If we love Jesus, we will obey His commands (Jn 14:15). We will even lead "a life of obedience" (1 Pt 1:2) and delight in obeying the Lord's commands (Ps 40:9).

Repent. Go to Confession. Decide to obey God all the time in every way. Partial obedience is a euphemism for disobedience. No matter how weak you have been for years, God will always give you the grace to obey. Break out of prisons of disobedience. Obey God now.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011

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