Sin is rebellion against an all-holy God. Because God is so great, sin is very evil — so evil that it penetrated and warped human nature. "Through one man sin entered the world and with sin death" (Rm 5:12). The effects of sin were so catastrophic that God became a man, died on the cross, and gave us the opportunity to be born again into a new nature (see Jn 3:3).

As powerful as sin is, Jesus' obedience is much more powerful. "Just as through one man's disobedience all became sinners, so through one Man's obedience all shall become just. The law came in order to increase offenses; but despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it" (Rm 5:19-20). Jesus' obedience even to death on the cross (Phil 2:8) is the greatest act of love ever done on this earth. Therefore, to obey the Father as Jesus did is an awesome privilege in which we enter into the heart of God's power and love. We should be shocked that the Lord has chosen us to obey Him and to be His slaves (see Col 3:24). Why would God ever command us to do anything? Why should God include us? Why would He choose to work through us?

Moreover, the Lord in His love for us gives us constant opportunities to obey Him. If we had only one opportunity to obey the Lord, we would plan and center our lives around this precious moment of obedience. But we can live constantly in obedience. May we realize the privilege of obeying God. May we be constantly amazed that God would ever command us to do anything.

Be shocked that we can sin and have sinned. Be more shocked that we can obey.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 22, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 26, 1997