Obedience often carries negative connotations, implying a mindless following of rules or orders, a loss of self-determination, a fear-induced surrender to one in a position of power.  The monastic vow of obedience, however, is based on a love for God that impels us to embrace life as a series of opportunities to grow in our relationship with God. 

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The word obedience means “to listen,” and isn’t that what we are all trying to do every day as we walk with God? Our obedience is not a giving in, a resignation, a blind response or lip service, but a whole-hearted “yes” to whatever God may be asking of us.  We may not fully understand God’s call, but, like Mary, we say, “Let it be done to me according to Your word,” trusting that God’s grace will sustain us in our efforts.  

 

True obedience challenges us to respond from the depth of our hearts, which is only possible if we create the time and space to recognize and listen to God’s voice. If we are attuned to God within and around us, we will be able to discern God’s voice amidst the noise and clamor that surrounds us daily. 

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Benedict refers to “the labor of obedience” (Pr. 2) and refers to it as “a strong and noble weapon.” (Pr. 3) Obedience does not come naturally to most human beings, especially since God gifted us with free will.  It is a tool, a gift, a practice that must be cultivated and carefully honed.  In the monastery, I am presented with many opportunities to be obedient throughout the day, such as saying “yes’ to being fully present at prayer, “yes” to the sister who needs a ride to the doctor, “yes” to honoring my personal prayer time, “yes” to respecting the quiet in the cloister areas of our home, “yes” to sharing my gifts unhesitatingly. The ability to be obedient in the small things strengthens me to be able to be obedient in the more difficult tasks and challenges that present themselves in my life.

 

For me, Benedict’s concept of obedience is summed up nicely in the chorus of a song by Donna Peña:” I say "Yes," my Lord, in all the good times, through all the bad times. 
I say "Yes," my Lord, to every word you speak.” (Digo Si Senor)