The way to combat the Second Enemy.
The devil more commonly deceives spiritual persons under the appearance of good rather than evil. The devil knows that spiritual persons will not reach out and choose an obvious evil. “Thus you should always be suspicious of what appears good, especially when not obliged by obedience.”
St. John of the Cross wants us to do the right thing and in order to be safe in such a matter he counsels souls in three ways regarding the wiles and deceits of the devil.
First, he counsels that those striving for perfection should never take upon themselves, without the command of obedience, “any work - apart from the obligations of your state - however good and full of charity it may seem, whether for yourself or for anyone else inside or outside the house.” We should always strive to be obedient to our duties that correspond to our state in life.
Obedience is what is being asked; in little things as well as big. To neglect being governed by obedience in all things you will soon find yourself in error. The devil loves to deceive in this way by playing on our pride, you know, I am right!
The second counsel is on a matter that many fall into to their own loss and harm. It is “that you always look on the superior as though on God, no matter who he happens to be, for he takes God's place.” This can apply to any one who is regarded as our superior: a boss, spouse, religious superior, bishop, or priest. To dwell on their character flaws, behavior, ability or their methods will do you harm because you will change your obedience from being motivated by visible (human) traits of the superior and not be basing your obedience on the invisible God whom you serve.
The devil can induce us to dwell on the things that others do to annoy us or to let their good qualities please us and make us happy. He does this because it interferes with our obedience.
The third counsel is “that you ever seek with all your heart to humble yourself in word and in deed, rejoicing in the good of others as if it were your own, desiring that they be given precedence over you in all things; and this you should do wholeheartedly.” This is a good practice and will increase charity within our soul. Always remember that the devil’s aim is to cool charity in souls and in this way wins them over.Overcome evil with good and “try to practice this more with those who least attract you.”
Finally, “ever prefer to be taught by all rather than desire to teach even the least of all.”
God wants obedience more than sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22)
(Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, ICS Publications, The Precautions)
Love reading your blog. I am a Sister's of St. Joseph Associate and also a wife, mother and grandmother in the 50 something age group. When you talk about Obedience and Humility, I think of Padre Pio. Every morning I say the Litany of Humility and I find it helps me tremendously although coming from a big family, we never wanted to be noticed because that meant we were in trouble so to me it is a little easier than most.
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From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me Jesus.
From the desire of beng extolled, Deliver me Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
That others may be esteemed more than I,
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase,and I may decrease,
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
That others may become holier than I,
provided that I become as holy as I should.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Amen.
God Bless you.
I am glad you like the blog. I remember my first introduction to Cardinal Merry del Val's "Litany of Humility" and it was from a confessor! Thanks for posting it in your comment. I like your sense of humor, too. They say that having a sense of humor is a sign of humility. Some of us take ourselves way too seriously. Yes?
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