Toward Easter - Daily Readings & Meditations for Lent 2025 - Day 32

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What does it mean to be obedient in today's Church? As we approach the final stretch of Lent—just two weeks away from Holy Saturday—this reflection tackles one of the most challenging aspects of modern Catholic life.

The journey begins with beautiful scriptural images of Christ as our Good Shepherd, living water, maternal figure who never forgets us, and the light of the world. These metaphors reveal how completely Christ nourishes our spiritual lives, especially through His Body and Blood. But such overwhelming love demands a response from us, ideally one of prompt, joyful obedience.

Yet obedience isn't simple in contemporary Catholicism. Between different communities with varying relationships to Church authority—from SSPX to diocesan structures—Catholics must navigate competing claims about where true obedience lies. The reflection acknowledges this tension honestly, advocating for a middle path that prioritizes obedience to Christ and Church dogma while extending grace to those whose prudential judgments differ from our own.

There's wisdom in recognizing that the Church allows latitude on many matters. Rather than demanding absolute uniformity or abandoning structure entirely, we're called to respect the legitimate diversity within Catholic practice while maintaining unity on essentials. As we enter Passiontide tomorrow, we're reminded of seminarians making their commitment to celibacy through subdiaconate ordinations—men whose sacrificial obedience deserves our prayers and support.

How will you balance faithful obedience with thoughtful discernment this Holy Week? Join us tomorrow as we explore love unto sacrifice on Passion Sunday, marking our entry into the final phase of our Lenten journey.

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