“Obedience to God's will is the secret of spiritual knowledge and insight. It is not willingness to know, but willingness to DO (obey) God's will that brings certainty.”

”Naturally we all have an inclination to command, and a great aversion to obey; and yet it is certain that it is more for our good to obey than to command; hence perfect souls have always had a great affection for obedience, and have found all their joy and comfort in it.”- Saint Francis of Sales: (1567 – 1622: Doctor of the Church)

Scripture Text: (DT 4:1, 5-9)

Moses spoke to the people and said:

"Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees

which I am teaching you to observe,

that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land

which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.

Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees

as the LORD, my God, has commanded me,

that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy.

Observe them carefully,

for thus will you give evidence

of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations,

who will hear of all these statutes and say,

'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.'

For what great nation is there

that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us

whenever we call upon him?

Or what great nation has statutes and decrees

that are as just as this whole law

which I am setting before you today?

"However, take care and be earnestly on your guard

not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen,

nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live,

but teach them to your children and to your children's children."

Today’s readings from Mass speak of the value of obedience to the norms and laws given by Yahweh: those who keep these laws and teach others to obey these laws will be greatly rewarded.

Jesus tells his disciples that he has come not "to remove the Law and the Prophets" but "to fulfill them."

Each follower of Christ, each Christian, is called to know and understand, to follow and obey these laws and to teach others to do the same. We cannot teach others unless we also live according to these laws. This responsibility is greater for those who have the care of others like parents for their children and leaders for those under them.

May the Lord grant us the grace, wisdom and strength to fulfill this great responsibility of living according to God's laws and norms and of teaching and leading others under our care to do the same.