Commitment, Free Will & Discernment
Commitment
“Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” - Matthew 5:37
Commitment is not merely a promise made in passing; it is a profound reflection of our human capacity for choice, granted to us by God. Our commitment often faces challenges, whether from fatigue, external circumstances, or our own inner struggles. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that the true essence of commitment is revealed.
We are not mere slaves to our desires, driven solely by instinct. Rather, we possess the remarkable ability to choose against our immediate inclinations, to sacrifice our comfort for a higher purpose. This ability to choose, rooted in our free will, is a divine gift that sets us apart from the rest of creation.
In the teachings of Jesus Christ, we find the ultimate example of commitment. His life was marked by unwavering dedication to fulfilling the will of the Father, even to the point of self-sacrifice on the cross. Through His example, we learn that commitment is not just about words, but about action and enduring faithfulness.
As Catholics, we are called to emulate Christ in our commitment. We are called to live out our faith fully, not just in moments of ease, but especially in times of trial and adversity. It is through this steadfast commitment that we grow closer to God and become more fully the people He created us to be.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39
Free will
Unlike the instinct-driven birds in flight or the primal instincts of the wolves in the wilderness, humans possess a remarkable gift: free will. This unique ability allows us to transcend our innate impulses and desires, to resist temptation, and to make choices that reflect our higher moral values.
In moments of disagreement or inner conflict, choosing obedience over dissent becomes an act of profound submission to God’s will. This decision to align our actions with His teachings is not always easy, but it is a testament to the power of free will granted to us by our Creator.
As Catholics, we believe that free will is a sacred gift from God, bestowed upon us in His image. It is through the exercise of this gift that we have the capacity to discern His will and to live in accordance with His commandments.
The Bible verse from Luke 11:28 reminds us of the importance of not just hearing the word of God, but obeying it. This obedience is not merely a passive acceptance of His teachings, but an active choice to align our lives with His divine plan. It is through obedience that we demonstrate our love for God and our commitment to following His path.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2 (NRSVCE)
This verse from Romans underscores the transformative power of aligning our minds with the will of God. It calls us to reject the influence of worldly desires and to instead focus on discerning what is pleasing to Him. Through the renewal of our minds and the exercise of our free will, we can strive to live lives that reflect God’s goodness and perfection.
Obedience
Oftentimes, Catholics grapple with the concept of papal infallibility, fearing that the Pope’s every word and action must be unquestionably perfect. However, this is not the case. While we are called to respect and pray for the intentions of the Holy Pope, who serves as the earthly representative of Peter, it’s essential to understand that the charism of infallibility granted by Jesus Christ to the Pope has specific conditions attached to it.
For a statement or decision of the Pope to be considered infallible, certain criteria must be met. If these conditions are not fulfilled, it does not necessarily mean that the Pope’s actions or words are entirely infallible. This recognition allows us to approach the teachings and decisions of the Church with discernment and humility.
As Catholics, our obedience is not blind adherence to every decree or pronouncement of the Church. Rather, it is a recognition of the wisdom and guidance provided by the Church in matters of faith and morals. There may be times when the Church makes decisions that we struggle to understand or with which we disagree.
Throughout history, the Church has demonstrated a willingness to revisit and reassess its positions on various issues. Whether it be the acceptance of charismatic movements or the Church’s evolving stance on matters like birth control, we see that the Church is not static but continually discerning God’s will.
In these moments of uncertainty or disagreement, it is crucial to remain steadfast in prayer for the intentions of the Church and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our obedience to the teachings of the Church, even in times of perceived fallibility, is not a blind adherence but a trust in God’s providence working through His Church.
“For I tell you, we will not be penalized for our obedience for the Church, even if the Church has a moment of fallibility.”
This reassurance echoes the understanding that our obedience to the Church, guided by prayer and discernment, is ultimately pleasing to God. While the Church may err at times, our commitment to obedience reflects our trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to guide His Church.
Yours in Christ,
An Anonymous Laity at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Stirling, New Jersey