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Intercessor
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Posted: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 02:32 am |
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Reflections on Docility
I would appreciate your participating with me in reflections on docility, significant in Catholic spirituality. Perhaps you will be willing to scan the quotations below from Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and from the Book of Sirach.
About ten years ago (still a Baptist) the Holy Spirit showed me that I lacked docility. There was a pride, a willfulness, a lack of meekness, a rush toward action, a quickness to express opinion that together resulted in a non-docile person. Although I had given my life to education, I realized that, in a very important sense, I myself was often not very teachable. Or perhaps, more accurately, the Holy Spirit (and any human dealing with me) had to be firm and determined to break through and win my attention and compliance. What a revelation God gave me that day! For a long time afterward, I kept a post-it note on my computer monitor at work, reminding myself to be docile before God.
Probably most of my problem was just personal temperament and learned behavior. I've wondered, though, if Protestants just aren't trained in docility, in the way that cradle Catholics are.
What are your thoughts on docility?
Is it important? If so, why?
What do we miss or risk by failing to be docile?
Is a lack of docility more of a problem for persons coming from a Protestant background?
Becky
DIES DOMINI
APOSTOLIC LETTER OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II
TO THE BISHOPS, CLERGY AND FAITHFUL OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
ON KEEPING THE LORD'S DAY HOLY
In this way, they will be led to a deeper understanding of Sunday, with the result that, even in difficult situations, they will be able to live it in complete docility to the Holy Spirit.
. . . If Christian individuals and families are not regularly drawing new life from the reading of the sacred text in a spirit of prayer and docility to the Church's interpretation,(67) then it is difficult for the liturgical proclamation of the word of God alone to produce the fruit we might expect.
Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
TO THE HANDMAIDS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Saturday, 2 March 2002
I cordially greet you and invite you to listen with docility to the voice of the Spirit . . . . May she [Mary] be the model of joyful docility to God's will
Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
POPE JOHN PAUL II GENERAL AUDIENCE Wednesday, 20 August 1997
Unfortunately, this temptation, which we find from the Church’s very beginning, continues to be present in her life, urging her to accept Revelation only in part, or to give the Word of God a limited, personal interpretation in conformity with the prevailing mentality and individual desires. Having fully adhered to the Word of the Lord, Mary represents for the Church an unsurpassable model of "virginally integral" faith, for with docility and perseverance she accepts the revealed Truth whole and entire.
Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Paul VI Audience Hall
Wednesday, 3 January 2007
The docility of Mary and the wise prudence of Joseph serve as an example to us.
© Copyright 2007 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Wednesday, 2 November 2005
Docility to God is therefore the root of hope and interior and exterior harmony. Observance of the moral law is the source of profound peace of conscience.
© Copyright 2005 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
TO STAFF OF THE PONTIFICAL VILLAS OF CASTEL GANDOLFO Friday, 23 September 2005
May love for the Eucharist and for the Cross, and the spirit of docility to the Church, which inspired his entire human life, stimulate you to live always more united to Christ.
© Copyright 2005 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI TO VALENCIA (SPAIN) ON OCCASION OF THE FIFTH WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES ----
ANGELUS Plaza de la Virgen Saturday, 8 July 2006
Live intensely the years of preparation in the seminary, with the guidance and help of your formators, and with the docility and complete trust of the Apostles, who followed Jesus without hesitation.
© Copyright 2006 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Catechism of the Catholic Church
2037
The law of God entrusted to the Church is taught to the faithful as the way of life and truth. The faithful therefore have the right to be instructed in the divine saving precepts that purify judgment and, with grace, heal wounded human reason.79 They have the duty of observing the constitutions and decrees conveyed by the legitimate authority of the Church. Even if they concern disciplinary matters, these determinations call for docility in charity.
2197
The fourth commandment opens the second table of the Decalogue. It shows us the order of charity. God has willed that, after him, we should honor our parents to whom we owe life and who have handed on to us the knowledge of God. We are obliged to honor and respect all those whom God, for our good, has vested with his authority.
Sirach Chapter 6:32-37 NAB
32 My son, if you wish, you can be taught; if you apply yourself, you will be shrewd.
33 If you are willing to listen, you will learn; if you give heed, you will be wise.
34 Frequent the company of the elders; whoever is wise, stay close to him.
35 Be eager to hear every godly discourse; let no wise saying escape you.
36 If you see a man of prudence, seek him out; let your feet wear away his doorstep!
37 Reflect on the precepts of the LORD, let his commandments be your constant meditation; Then he will enlighten your mind, and the wisdom you desire he will grant.
New American Bible
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3000
December 09, 2002 Copyright © by United States Conference of Catholic BishopsLast edited on Wed Jul 9th, 2008 03:12 am by Intercessor
____________________
"The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Howard the Pilgrim
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Posted: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 05:14 am |
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Hi Becky,
Interesting topic. Speaking as a lay evangelical Protestant Bible teacher/preacher for the last 30 years or so, I think you give a pretty good summary of how it is for many Protestants, especially those of us who are teachers of the Word. I am ashamed to say that I have actually thought in the past that I could match any teacher/preacher in my grasp of the "Truth". Indeed, Sola Scriptura encourages that mindset because every person with their Bible becomes the ultimate authority on the truth. I recently had a conversation with a fundamentalist friend of mine where I asked him if his interpretation of the Bible was infallible and he said yes. As a matter of fact, he rejected the idea that he was "interpreting" the Bible. He was merely extracting the plain sense of the biblical texts which didn't need "interpreting".
For me, it wasn't until I read about the deaths of the martyrs of Gaul in Eusebius about 20 years ago that I began to discover what a pompous, lightweight windbag of Christian I was compared to them. I decided that I knew lots about God but I really didn't know Him. That and the fact that I wasn't coping with life very well. Fear was crushing the life out of me. Those factors set me on a quest to find Christians who could teach me how to pray, walk closer to God and really know him. And my quest has brought me here to the Catholic Church where I have found beautiful examples of docility from John Paul II and Benedict XVI all the way down to the average Catholic in the pew. There is a kind of a mutual submission going on between the shepherds and the flock. They have different roles to fulfill but they are dependent on the Lord and each other.
This is not to say that I have not encountered arrogant Catholics who either think they are more Catholic than the Pope or have no intention of following the teachings of the Church, the Bible or anyone else. But at least docility is a stated/printed goal and teaching of the Church.
What do we miss if we are not docile, I think we miss the life of our Lord Jesus Christ who said in Matthew 11,
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." NAB
If we are not docile, as you said, Becky, we are not teachable.
My thoughts.
Howard the Pilgrim
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Intercessor
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Posted: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 12:23 pm |
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Howard the Pilgrim wrote:
. . . I think you give a pretty good summary of how it is for many Protestants, especially those of us who are teachers of the Word. . . . Indeed, Sola Scriptura encourages that mindset because every person with their Bible becomes the ultimate authority on the truth.
I agree, Howard. For most of my adult life I was the "pope" for the Sunday School class I taught. Toward the end of my years as a Baptist, I had grown weary of the role and had begun admitting, regularly, that I did not know the answers to some of the questions I was being asked (nor to those questions which were not being posed to me in Sunday School but which were pressing on my mind and spirit).
. . . I began to discover what a pompous, lightweight windbag of a Christian I was compared to them. I decided that I knew lots about God but I really didn't know Him. . . . factors set me on a quest to find Christians who could teach me how to pray, walk closer to God and really know him. And my quest has brought me here to the Catholic Church where I have found beautiful examples of docility from John Paul II and Benedict XVI all the way down to the average Catholic in the pew.
Howard, when I first discovered and read Imitation of Christ, I saw myself for what I was and realized how badly I needed help that seemed unavailable in the Protestant tradition. Humility, docility, obedience, love, faith--- oh, I had barely scratched the surface in acquiring the virtues I knew I was supposed to have. Like you, I was also struck by the examples of John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
There is a kind of a mutual submission going on between the shepherds and the flock. They have different roles to fulfill but they are dependent on the Lord and each other.
It's one thing to submit to God and quite another to regularly submit to other people, isn't it? I think you've hit on a key element differentiating the Protestant and Catholic mindsets here.
What do we miss if we are not docile, I think we miss the life of our Lord Jesus Christ who said in Matthew 11,
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." NAB
Howard the Pilgrim
Beautiful addition, Howard. Thanks so much for adding this passage from Matthew and for all your comments.
God bless,
Becky
Last edited on Wed Jul 9th, 2008 12:24 pm by Intercessor
____________________
"The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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BodRod
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Posted: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 03:58 pm |
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Howard the Pilgrim wrote:
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.
How does that relate to the story of Jesus and the money changers at the temple? I am missing something, somewhere.
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 07:29 pm |
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Cliff, in the book of Hebrews (5:8) it says that Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered.” For him to wield a whip and overturn tables is not evidence that he was a violent man, but that he was obedient to his Father. In even this sense, then, he was docile, meek and humble, able to do his Father’s bidding even when it meant, as it were, “getting out of character.”
David
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Intercessor
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Posted: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 10:17 pm |
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David W. Emery wrote:
Cliff, in the book of Hebrews (5:8) it says that Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered.” For him to wield a whip and overturn tables is not evidence that he was a violent man, but that he was obedient to his Father. In even this sense, then, he was docile, meek and humble, able to do his Father’s bidding even when it meant, as it were, “getting out of character.”
David
Cliff, I'm grateful that you received a fine answer to your question. 
What are your thoughts on docility?
Is it important? If so, why?
What do we miss or risk by failing to be docile?
Is a lack of docility more of a problem for persons coming from a Protestant background?
Anyone else have comments or experiences to share?
Or perhaps you might want to respond to one of the quoted passages in the first post.
Becky
____________________
"The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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BodRod
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Posted: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 11:01 pm |
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Intercessor wrote: [size=Cliff, I'm grateful that you received a fine answer to your question.
What are your thoughts on docility?
Is it important? If so, why?
What do we miss or risk by failing to be docile?
Is a lack of docility more of a problem for persons coming from a Protestant background?
Becky
Thanks Becky. You gave me an enlightening chuckle for the day. What you thought was a "fine answer" I thought was not much of answer at all. That's funny. Maybe that demonstrates an "old saying" they taught us in psychology training and that was, "The ONLY person who knows exactly what is meant by a statement is the person who made the statement." I don't see the words "docility and violence" as being on a continum. I see them as human behaviors in different directions. Also, from the stories about Christ in the Gospels, I don't Christ as a wimpy pacifist but rather a person of some stature, with the muscles a boy would develop from helping in a carpenter's shop in His youth. I also believe He had a forceful manner of speaking, the content of which was blended with reasoning and logic that would capture the listener's attention immediately.
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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Intercessor
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Posted: Thu Jul 10th, 2008 12:42 am |
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BodRod wrote:
I don't see the words "docility and violence" as being on a continum. I see them as human behaviors in different directions. Also, from the stories about Christ in the Gospels, I don't Christ as a wimpy pacifist but rather a person of some stature, with the muscles a boy would develop from helping in a carpenter's shop in His youth. I also believe He had a forceful manner of speaking, the content of which was blended with reasoning and logic that would capture the listener's attention immediately.
Cliff, I think docility involves an humble, obedient, expectant attentiveness before God. Sometimes God asks us to play the role of disciplinarian or authoritative, thundering prophet. Sometimes He asks us to play a gentler role. The emphasis is on being humble, obedient, conformed to His Divine Will so that as He directs us, we can hear Him and comply.
The Father wanted His holy temple cleansed. The obedient, docile Son carried out His will. The Father wanted the Sacrificial Lamb to remain meek and silent before His accusers and tormentors and executioners. The obedient, docile Son carried out His will.
I'm no theologian (others here are far better qualified), but I do know the nature of God is not limited to a sentimental, non-threatening affection. He is both the loving, forgiving Father and the consuming Fire. God is holy.
I think the primary thing one noticed, when Christ spoke, was that He spoke with authority. He delivered undiluted Truth. His words penetrated the souls of hearers like a two-edged sword. He laid motives bare and gave listeners painful insights into their own self-deception. They recognized their own sinfulness when confronted with his holy perfection.
I'll stop here and hope that others, better able, will jump in and develop the ideas.
I do hope we can keep the discussion somewhat centered on the importance of docility rather than wandering off too far into a long discussion about the nature of God.
But, hey, whatever the will of the group---
Becky
Last edited on Thu Jul 10th, 2008 01:22 am by Intercessor
____________________
"The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Thu Jul 10th, 2008 04:35 pm |
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Becky, this is an interesting topic. I had to look up the word "docile" because I thought it meant "sweet tempered, meek, pliable," etc. It actually means "easily taught." Part of your question was how important is docility to us as catholic Christians? I would say it's very important for us to always make ourselves aware of what the church is telling us, through the pope's encyclicals and by regular reading of the catechism. You have done an excellent job of noting the pope's use of the word "docile" in his writings and speech. In fact, he seems to put it in his words quite often! So I would say listen up people. More than ever before we are called to know our faith, the truth of it, so we can correct errors of prejudice and superstition and faulty catechism. I thank you for bringing this insight to us in a new way, so we can now try to be more "docile" and it has a new meaning to me. 
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Tina in Ashburn
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Posted: Fri Jul 11th, 2008 01:15 am |
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Marsha, thanks for looking up "docility". This discussion makes much more sense now!
David, thanks for explaining the correlation between the Jesus in the Temple and docility - I didn't get that either.
So now that Cliff and I have learned something, we have been given the opportunity to demonstrate our 'docility'!
I was thinking here that as long as pride is the foundation for all sins, everyone will struggle with docility. Nobody is exempt from this challenge, no matter what your beliefs.
To be "teachable" and "easily lead" takes humility.
False humility doesn't count - as David's explanation illustrates. Jesus did not deny the duty He had to His Father's honor. Humility entails being who we are in God's eyes, not as we'd like to be viewed by the world. Jesus was willing to look like the 'bad guy' in spite of the ill-will His anger would cause. Jesus did not struggle with self-image and choose instead to placate those offending His Father. It takes bravery and yes, humility to do the Will of God in all things, even when it makes us look silly.
But as you might guess, just because I'm silly doesn't mean I understand true humility... [groan]
____________________
Tina
Arlington Diocese
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left coast mystic
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Posted: Fri Jul 11th, 2008 03:27 am |
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I'm glad Tina brought up the connection with humility. As we used to point out to new christians, the image of the word translated "humble" in the bible is like a strong, well-trained horse under his master's control. As anyone who knows horses knows, they're only under your control if they want to be. "Docile" isn't a word that's often heard in our culture, because our culture doesn't value docility, except when animals exhibit it. So the most common use of the word that I have seen in literature is in connection with horses ("he's a docile animal") in reference to their ability to submit to their master's will. If we don't think a fundamental requirement of the life of a christian is to submit to Christ's will, we've got a really distorted view of the life he's calling us to.
Marcee
____________________
Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim. 6:6)
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. (Isa. 30:15)
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Intercessor
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Posted: Fri Jul 11th, 2008 03:45 am |
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Credo Catholic wrote:
Becky, this is an interesting topic. I had to look up the word "docile" because I thought it meant "sweet tempered, meek, pliable," etc. It actually means "easily taught."
Marsha, we've talked before about missing some of the old Baptist hymns. One of my favorites was "Have Thine Own Way:"
"Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way.
Thou art the Potter; I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will.
While I am waiting, yielded and still."
Text: Adelaide A. Pollard, 1862-1934
Click here to hear hymn.
I want to become better clay for the Potter, to become more responsive to His touch, to become more docile.
Part of your question was how important is docility to us as catholic Christians? I would say it's very important for us to always make ourselves aware of what the church is telling us, through the pope's encyclicals and by regular reading of the catechism.
Yes, and docility also comes into play in one's relationship with a regular confessor and with a spiritual director, if they are seen as representatives of Christ.
I appreciate your generous comments, Marsha. Thanks. I was in need of a little "kindness" today;
the Lord sent me you. :^)
God bless,
Becky
Last edited on Fri Jul 11th, 2008 03:46 am by Intercessor
____________________
"The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Intercessor
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Posted: Fri Jul 11th, 2008 04:01 am |
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Tina in Ashburn wrote:
Marsha, thanks for looking up "docility". This discussion makes much more sense now!
David, thanks for explaining the correlation between the Jesus in the Temple and docility - I didn't get that either.
Indeed. Thank you, Tina.
I was thinking here that as long as pride is the foundation for all sins, everyone will struggle with docility. Nobody is exempt from this challenge, no matter what your beliefs.
To be "teachable" and "easily led" takes humility.
Yes, I must be willing to admit that I don't know everything, that others know more than I do, that others have authority over me, that I owe obedience or submission to certain persons, that I don't have to be the leader, that I've made a mess of things, perhaps, and really need help.
Humility entails being who we are in God's eyes, not as we'd like to be viewed by the world. . . . It takes bravery and yes, humility to do the Will of God in all things . . .
Much to chew on here, Tina. Thanks.
Becky
____________________
"The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Intercessor
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Posted: Fri Jul 11th, 2008 04:12 am |
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left coast mystic wrote:
I'm glad Tina brought up the connection with humility. As we used to point out to new christians, the image of the word translated "humble" in the bible is like a strong, well-trained horse under his master's control. As anyone who knows horses knows, they're only under your control if they want to be. "Docile" isn't a word that's often heard in our culture, because our culture doesn't value docility, except when animals exhibit it. So the most common use of the word that I have seen in literature is in connection with horses ("he's a docile animal") in reference to their ability to submit to their master's will. If we don't think a fundamental requirement of the life of a christian is to submit to Christ's will, we've got a really distorted view of the life he's calling us to.
Marcee
Well said, Marcee, well said!
I would also suggest that silence plays an important role in our becoming docile before the Lord. Persons addicted to constant noise or constant technology (cell phones/email/TV/radio) or constant distraction have little chance of becoming easily taught or easily led by God. Do you agree?
BeckyLast edited on Fri Jul 11th, 2008 04:22 am by Intercessor
____________________
"The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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left coast mystic
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Posted: Fri Jul 11th, 2008 02:23 pm |
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Intercessor wrote: [size=I would also suggest that silence plays an important role in our becoming docile before the Lord. Persons addicted to constant noise or constant technology (cell phones/email/TV/radio) or constant distraction have little chance of becoming easily taught or easily led by God. Do you agree?
Becky]
Amen to that! There are SOOO many ways that our culture is at odds with our calling - we are truly citizens of another country (the Kingdom of God) and the culture gap between the two is HUGE!
Marcee
____________________
Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim. 6:6)
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. (Isa. 30:15)
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Fri Jul 11th, 2008 02:30 pm |
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Intercessor wrote: [size=I would also suggest that silence plays an important role in our becoming docile before the Lord. Persons addicted to constant noise or constant technology (cell phones/email/TV/radio) or constant distraction have little chance of becoming easily taught or easily led by God. Do you agree?
Becky]
This may be my achilles heel. I am home alone a lot, and I always have something on, whether TV or CD player. It is about hearing human voices and not being in silence. Although being in silence is the very thing that draws me to the church on a weekday afternoon to sit near the tabernacle. Well, maybe its the tabernacle that draws me, but the silence is golden. And its in that silence, in that place, that I am spiritually fed. Being docile (I didn't know that was what it is) and giving myself totally to the Lord, asking for guidance and grace. Do you think being docile with the Lord is the same as being docile with the church? It's easier to hear the teachings of the church and read the teachings in scripture, than it is to hear the voice of God speak to me.
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Fri Jul 11th, 2008 09:55 pm |
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Becky, "Have Thine Own Way Lord" was one of my favorites too! I can close my eyes and "hear" it being sung by the congregation of my old church. But I am beginnng to feel the same about the hymns we sing at my new parish. They are as traditional and we sing the same ones often enough that those attending know them well. And at our church, everyone does sing!
You asked if a lack of docility was more of a problem for people coming into the RCC from protestant backgrounds. I don't really think so, because if you think about the ladies you taught in Sunday School, wouldn't you say they were fairly docile? I remember some who would be led any direction the teacher led them.
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Howard the Pilgrim
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Posted: Sat Jul 12th, 2008 06:20 am |
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Hi Cliff and the rest of my brothers and sisters,
Those words I quoted were from Matthew's gospel and were the words of Jesus describing his manner of behavior and attitude towards those who would respond to his invitation to come to him. It is interesting the invitation comes at the end of one of his "Woe to you" passages.
Jesus had the love, strength and courage to confront but he was also docile, led by His Father and His love for us to lay down His life for us, even for the soldiers gambling for his clothes at the foot of His cross. Indeed, Jesus could have called upon legions of angels to defend Him. He could have reduced His accusers to ashes. But instead He allowed them to take His life by a horrible means of execution. The scriptures say that he was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
Saint Paul expresses it this way in Philippians 2.
1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.
3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
4 each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others.
5 Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
6 Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,
8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
I mentioned the Holy Fathers, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, as examples of docility. Both of them have confronted the leaders and cultures of this world as well as disciplining unruly church leaders. And yet they laid down and are laying down their lives for the Church. When Benedict XVI came to America recently, he did not strut his stuff. He came in humility as one who was thankful for and asked for the prayers of the faithful in fulfilling his calling as the pope, the bishop of Rome. I think if Benedict XVI had his preference it would be to lead the life of a scholar and writer but he was willing instead to answer the call and become the pope.
So being docile does not mean that one is a pansy. It requires incredible strength, humility and faith in order to lay aside our own interests for the benefit of others, even those opposed to us.
I agree with the others that there are a lot of virtues that are related to being docile. Humility, faith, patience, submission to name a few. I like the definition that a friend of mine has for submission. He says that "submission is willingly putting yourself in a vulnerable position to do what is in the best interests of others in accordance with God's will."
My thoughts. May God bless you all and keep you close to His heart of love.
Howard
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Intercessor
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Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 12:22 am |
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Intercessor wrote: I would also suggest that silence plays an important role in our becoming docile before the Lord. Persons addicted to constant noise or constant technology (cell phones/email/TV/radio) or constant distraction have little chance of becoming easily taught or easily led by God. Do you agree?
Becky
Credo Catholic wrote:
This may be my Achilles' heel. I am home alone a lot, and I always have something on, whether TV or CD player. It is about hearing human voices and not being in silence. Although being in silence is the very thing that draws me to the church on a weekday afternoon to sit near the tabernacle. Well, maybe its the tabernacle that draws me, but the silence is golden. And its in that silence, in that place, that I am spiritually fed. Being docile (I didn't know that was what it is) and giving myself totally to the Lord, asking for guidance and grace.
Marsha,
I understand your attempt to fight loneliness with the TV or music. I did that for five years after my husband's death. Attending a silent retreat at a monastery of cloistered nuns (see old thread "Silent Retreat" in Spiritual Growth Forum) changed my life.
You inspired me to read some passages about the importance of silence. Hope you enjoy these. It was hard to narrow it down to just a few.
God seems to have arranged for His Son to grow up in a very quiet home—two contemplative parents given to much silence and docility.
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI Redemptoris Mater Chapel, Apostolic Palace Friday, 6 October 2006
. . . But silence and contemplation have a purpose: they serve, in the distractions of daily life, to preserve permanent union with God. This is their purpose: that union with God may always be present in our souls and may transform our entire being.
© Copyright 2006 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
VITA CONSECRATA OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II
38. The call to holiness is accepted and can be cultivated only in the silence of adoration before the infinite transcendence of God: "We must confess that we all have need of this silence, filled with the presence of him who is adored: in theology, so as to exploit fully its own sapiential and spiritual soul; in prayer, so that we may never forget that seeing God means coming down the mountain with a face so radiant that we are obliged to cover it with a veil (cf. Ex 34:33); in commitment, so that we will refuse to be locked in a struggle without love and forgiveness. All, believers and non-believers alike, need to learn a silence that allows the Other to speak when and how he wishes, and allows us to understand his words". In practice this involves great fidelity to liturgical and personal prayer, to periods devoted to mental prayer and contemplation, to Eucharistic adoration, to monthly retreats and to spiritual exercises. Given in Rome, at Saint Peter's, on 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, in the year 1996, the eighteenth of my Pontificate
Copyright©Libreria Editrice Vaticana
John Paul II 1998 November 29 Given in Rome, at Saint Peter's
Woman of silence, given to listening, docile in the hands of the Father, the Virgin Mary is invoked as “blessed” by all generations . . .
Copyright©Libreria Editrice Vaticana
APOSTOLIC VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II TO AZERBAIJAN AND BULGARIA ANGELUS Plovdiv - Central Square Sunday 26 May 2002
. . . Mary shines forth before us as a model of Christian life. At her school we learn silence, listening and service, the fundamental marks of the life of a disciple.
Copyright©Libreria Editrice Vaticana
BENEDICT XVI ANGELUS]/i] St Peter's Square IV Sunday of Advent, 18 December 2005
. . . the silence of St Joseph is given a special emphasis. His silence is steeped in contemplation of the mystery of God in an attitude of total availability to the divine desires.
In other words, St Joseph's silence does not express an inner emptiness but, on the contrary, the fullness of the faith he bears in his heart and which guides his every thought and action.
It is a silence thanks to which Joseph, in unison with Mary, watches over the Word of God, known through the Sacred Scriptures, continuously comparing it with the events of the life of Jesus; a silence woven of constant prayer, a prayer of blessing of the Lord, of the adoration of his holy will and of unreserved entrustment to his providence . . . .
Let us allow ourselves to be "filled" with St Joseph's silence! In a world that is often too noisy, that encourages neither recollection nor listening to God's voice, we are in such deep need of it.
© Copyright 2005 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
BeckyLast edited on Sun Jul 13th, 2008 01:23 am by Intercessor
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"The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Intercessor
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Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 01:13 am |
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