Knowledge of Self: Day Two

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Day fourteen at Fish Eaters.

Day fourteen at The Catholic Company.

"There is no more troublesome, no worse enemy of the soul than you yourself, if you are not in harmony with the spirit."
~ Imitation of Christ, Book III, chapter 13

Today's reading from Imitation of Christ is probably one of the most difficult for those raised in a liberal society such as in America. In a land where all men are created equal, it's difficult for us to see others as superiors which we must obey, especially in a religious situation. While there are situations such as we should obey a boss at work, there is probably nothing comparable to an all encompassing obedience in religious life, except in the military (I recognize a certain independence or stubbornness as a military subordinate within myself in the past). And hopefully, children who have not yet reached majority still understand the need for obedience of parents. The family is the ordinary component of society which can form these young human beings.

While I acknowledge there are certain abusive situations where it is better to leave rather than obey, I think the worry about being treated "like a door mat" is exaggerated. Not every situation is an abusive one. And discernment should be made whether the superiors in any community are oriented toward the common good of that community and of society overall. If so, then even when we receive a directive we don't understand, we should obey it (the exception being if the directive is immoral), and obey it cheerfully (is that too far for some of you?). 

This paragraph from the reading might help put it all in perspective:

Because you still love yourself too inordinately, you are afraid to resign yourself wholly to the will of others. Is it such a great matter if you, who are but dust and nothingness, subject yourself to man for the sake of God, when I, the All-Powerful, the Most High, Who created all things out of nothing, humbly subjected Myself to man for your sake? I became the most humble and the lowest of all men that you might overcome your pride with My humility.

 For an "independent" person like me, I think it's a helpful reminder to be at service to others.