POINT III. How perfect ought our obedience to be?
I. In the execution, it must be prompt, leaving even a letter unfinished; exact, rendered with military precision; generous, shirking no difficulty; universal in all things commanded and even at a mere sign of a superior’s will without an express command; without show of reluctance, as a corpse is moved or an old man’s staff employed.
2. In the will, which is exchanged for the will of the superior, so that there can be no conflict of wills.
3. In the judgment, “as far as a devout will can bend the understanding,” says St. Ignatius, which can always be done when there is no compelling evidence to the contrary. Hence never any criticism, but such docility as the child Jesus showed when taught by St. Joseph the rules of his trade without suggesting any improvement.
Colloquy with our dear Lord, asking for perfect obedience.
MEDITATION IV
On Strength of Character
1st Prelude. Recall the words of St. Paul: “Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good” (Rom. xii, 21).
2nd Prelude. Ask to improve in vigor of character.
POINT I. What is strength of character? It is power of the will to control one’s own actions, independently of one’s inclinations and of the opinions of men. A weak character is led by mere feelings. These must be brought under control, conquered by the strength of the will and made to obey the dictate of reason. For this purpose we must resist our inclinations: “Vince teipsum,” “Conquer thyself”; “Tantum profeceris quantum tibi vim intuleris,” “Your progress will be proportioned to your self-victories,” are undoubted maxims. And Christ says in the Apocalypse: “To him that shall overcome I will give to sit with me in my throne” (iii, 21).
What must we overcome? Whatever we find during the triduum to be disorderly in our daily conduct. Examine your rising at the first signal, your morning visit, meditation, hearing of Mass, reception of Holy Communion, and all the successive actions of the day. Resolve to correct what is faulty, to supply what is wanting, etc. Mere wishes are worthless; you must set to work.