Out of Obedience...

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If you were asked what the highest natural virtue is, ie. other than faith, hope, and love, do you think you’d know the right answer? Because, for a long time, I would have said justice or prudence, until I later found out that, according to #Church teaching… it’s #obedience.
A virtue is something you can only possess when it is practiced routinely. But how can obedience be said to be a virtue if we only exercise it once we run out of appeals to reasons not to #obey. If it’s a virtue, then this means that when some legitimate #authority expresses some instruction or command, our first response should be to align our will and actions with that expression rather than grasp for reasons to escape that obligation.
Music written and generously provided by Paul Jernberg. Find out more about his work as a composer here: pauljernberg.com
Podcast Version: brianholdsworth.libsyn.com/

[@danieldefonce]

This truth hits home hard for me. Out of obedience, I am finally submitting to the Church of Christ Jesus and becoming Catholic today, this Pentecost of 2024.

[@Texan2a]

Welcome home!

[@deluge848]

How divinely awesome! Congratulations!!

[@mariac7105]

Congratulations!!!🎉

[@davidniedjaco9869]

Congrats

[@UnionSince452]

Amazing bro! Welcome home!

[@TheJmlew11]

Many might think that celibacy is the hardest promise made by those ordained or in religious life. But most of the priests and religious I know say the hardest promise is obedience.

[@genevieverose1234]

I think broadly speaking, yes, people would think celibacy is the hardest part; however, for those of us whom are asexual, it's very easy. I know we don't need to get into a whole lgbtq shitshow but attractions-- or lack there of-- are very real.

[@quisutdeus2755]

Poverty and celibacy both serve obedience, which is what drove Christ to the Cross, His obedience to the Holy Spirit

[@Testimony_Of_JTF]

​@@quisutdeus2755Was it not His obedience to the Father?

[@quisutdeus2755]

@@Testimony_Of_JTF guided by the Holy Spirit whom He had received from the Father at his Baptism, it was also obedience to the Father of course but a better way to describe it would be saying abandonment to the Father and accepting the guidance of the Holy Spirit

[@scoot072]

Jesus didn’t “receive the Holy Spirit” at his baptism that’s the adoptionism heresy .

[@jerryczarski5991]

I would assist an elderly parish priest with his sick visits when his car was not working. I was repairing the car thinking I was helping him. I did not know that he was told, due to his health, he was not to drive. His superior was disabling his car because he would still use it. The poor older priest would get emotional and relayed to me he wanted to do his ministry, but he could not without a car. It was sad. My pastor told me not to fix the car anymore or be placed under obedience. I was conflicted, but I had to listen to my pastor. So, I drove the older priest on his rounds until he passed away. It is a wonderful memory. I was humbled and honored to experience it.

[@georgerafa5041]

Wow. Beautiful story, brother. May God bless you

[@bluecomb5376]

Jesus' obedience to the Father in dying on the cross is the greatest example of obedience.

[@austenl43]

I agree, but it was more than obedience. He willingly chose it; it wasn't a command like unto Job. He struggled with the commitment in Gethsemane because he was fully human as well as divine, but he knew it was his purpose and chose to continue. I say all this to ensure we all do not forget Jesus' agency.

[@ItBeTheWayItDoSomeTimes]

⁠@@austenl43I’m unsure if you are Catholic but just in case I’m going to throw the Catholic teaching on the matter for both clarification and growth in devotion. Jesus is a divine person and from conception his created human nature and will was perfectly united to the divine nature and thus also the divine will. Jesus knew from birth his mission and always beheld the beatific vision even when on the cross. In Jesus’ human nature he wills its own safety but also both in human nature and divine nature wills to do the will of the Father.

[@williamjones6971]

A more apt example since none of us are Christ, is when Peter and the apostles were beaten in the temple and told not to utter the name of Jesus. They defied the wicked temple authorities, and rejoiced in being permitted to suffer for Our Lord. Never obey a creature if it conflicts with obeying the Creator. The consequences otherwise are a damned shame.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

lol, the greatest example of taking a three day weekend. tell me, how does an immortal become mortal, die, come back to life, become immortal again, how exactly does that work? and did the romans kill god? or did jesus trick everyone? the talking snake and donkey cult is funny.

[@pottingsoil]

​@@ItBeTheWayItDoSomeTimes from baptism*

[@FrMarkGoring]

Well said Brian.

[@paynedv]

Tongues are actual languages not babble. But 👋🏻 make videos on women dressing modestly mimicking the way nuns dress, including the veil. Not some silly napkin on their head or some see-through lingerie. An actual opaque veil, like the hijab in Islam. And remind the wives to obey the husbands in everything (except sin) as is owed. God bless ☕🙏🏻👋🏻🇻🇦

[@josephmiller876]

And when you practice obedience, you practice humility as well. Thank you for your example, Brian.

[@ModernLady]

I think this reflection is very good. When becoming Catholic my biggest stumble block with obedience was the church’s teaching on contraception. I could understand it at a global level, but not a personal. But I knew I could trust the church so I obeyed. And the church was right and Gos blessed me greatly for obeying.

[@emanuelgaluk7844]

I was a novice once... obedience is a must, without it, all other virtues crumble. If you are obedient, you are chaste, your are poor, you follow the Rule, the Church, the superior and God. If you are desobedient, you fail in the rest. But, it is indeed the most dificult, because it is let it go yourself, your autonomy, your desires, pride, rigths and all. Thats why it is so dificult, and yet, so necessary for sainthood

[@heinmolenaar6750]

Love doesn't obey.. Because love is free.

[@emanuelgaluk7844]

@@heinmolenaar6750 I agree that the foundation of the obedience should be always in the love of God. You trust God, and love Him, so, you obey. It's no a slave relation, but He is God, we are man. Look at Jesus, as a human, he doesn't desire the sofriment, but, because he love the Father and humankind and the Father loves Him, so, he chose to be obedient until the very end. That's the virtue of obedience, so, love is indeed, obedient.

[@suew4609]

@@heinmolenaar6750Look at the saints. Obedience is love of God.

[@Psalm_xxiii]

Love = obedience. If that were true that would mean, to love your enemy is to be obedient to them. St Paul tells us what love is Corinthians 4-7. He does not mention obedience. The only time we hear of obedience is from Jesus to follow His commandments, that's how we love Jesus and the Holy Trinity. People in religious orders make a vow to be obedient to their superiors and the rule, lay people don't.

[@cfban]

That's too bad. Your Fiducia Supplicans video was one of the best responses I've seen anywhere. Well measured and respectful, but without mincing any words. As Catholics we are obligated to correct our neighbors. I hope that you will reconsider your decision.

[@BarnabasTheMonkey]

They say the devil can fake humility, but not obedience

[@HarryNicNicholas]

who is this they? sounds like a dumb saying.

[@drac7478]

@@HarryNicNicholas St. Faustina.

[@valwhelan3533]

True enough

[@TimSpangler-rd6vs]

@@valwhelan3533 How about casting out demons and doing miracles in Jesus name?

[@itizzzwhatitizzz]

‘Humility is the only thing that no devil can imitate’ St John Climacus The devil must obey God. ‘Every knee shall bow’

[@frsamfrench]

Absolutely brilliant reflection Brian. And humbling for me as a priest to hear. Keep up the Lord’s work in all you do. 🙏🏻

[@gabrielle_riley]

Amen 🙏

[@chelseabradham3889]

If we don't call out error when it crops up, if there is no challenge from those who recognize when something is wrong, those errors become normalized and more entrenched. Once that happens, it's much harder to correct the ship.

[@michaeljefferies2444]

Mad respect for this. Thanks for being a model of being a faithful and obedient Catholic.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

admitting to being catholic is weird, catholicism is just organised crime isn't it? has the pope stopped apologising for all the abuse?

[@Fiona2254]

Obedience is so important. I have been trying to be obedient in our marriage. It’s hard when 33 years out of 36 I was alone half the time due to his job. My family is also very matriarchal and I recently realized that the problems in a lot of my extended family are tied to this. Women are supposed to be partners and we are also supposed to concede the leadership to our husbands in all the things that matter most. It’s been hard to ask for permission for little things but I need to get used to asking before doing things that affect us both. In return I get what I’ve always had: a husband that loves and wants to protect me. I can protect myself but he IS the head of this family and once I recognized this I realized how the sin of Eve, pride, affected me. It isn’t as bad as I thought it would be and it’s almost as freeing as surrendering to Christ. I also have surrendered to the proper authority of the church.

[@marcuslow1386]

Thank you for you obedience to the teaching and this is a difficult subject with my 3 daughters in conversation

[@jenyoung2473]

Which is why the devil wants feminism so badly. To destroy the patriarchy

[@johndeighan2495]

Can I ask what you mean by asking permission for little things? How little are we talking? I get what you are saying about complementary roles within marriage, but this can, in some cases, become a rationalization for what amounts to coercive, controlling behaviour on the part of a spouse. Not assuming that is the case here, but the need to ask permission in “little things” did raise the question for me.

[@youtubeKathy]

obedience is not the same as submission. we are not supposed to blindly follow orders. that is slavery. in order for this dynamic to work the head (the husband) is actually sacrificing himself for this wifes needs (as christ did for the church) so both spouses are living for the same goals. You're not there to support a man as he follows his dreams and builds a career for himself. this is a modern secular value, not a christian one. the mans primary value should be for his family, not his goals and dreams primarily at the expense of his wife and family. His will should be for his family. He should see what his wife needs and provide it. and as the head, he should take the lead on this.

[@Fiona2254]

@@johndeighan2495 the “little things” for me is those that make him feel included in stuff I do alone. I’m purposely over correcting, he says “of course” because these are things that really don’t matter. I’m a hard headed woman who’s basically done whatever I wanted for 3 decades, asking is including him though he really isn’t involved. We have always been partners and we don’t manipulate or coerce the other. Now that he’s home all the time I found myself excluding him because I was used to just doing things and that’s not a good thing at all.

[@gannonleonard]

I'm not going to lie, I never thought I would hear this spoken aloud from a well known Catholic content creator. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I have read lives of some saints, read books from others about challenges they and the Church have faced and many, many of them were called to obedience above all. We have so many saints to look to for this, Padre Pio is the most well known example, Mary MacKillop and Theresa of Avilla as well. Most of all, we have Jesus Christ Himself who in the garden asked for the cup to pass if there was another way, but submitted Himself to the Father's Will. You said it very succinctly, having freewill and freely choosing to obey another authority than your own that is a virtue. May St. Joseph, the Blessed Mother, St. Paul, St. Pio. St. Theresa all pray for you Brian. God bless!

[@joeterp5615]

Amen!

[@isabelgranados296]

Indeed. This was been refreshing. God bless you Brian

[@lisbethkelly4480]

You are the opposite of a coward. I didn't know the greatest virtue was obedience either, I thought it was humility. Which you demonstrated beautifully ❤️

[@jenniferbarrett4494]

❤ I have just come to this realization. It is super difficult, especially since I am a new Catholic. I spend hours reading the Bible and watching KZbin’s trying to learn the faith. I believe God led me to this to help me. Thank you so much for your bravery

[@jenniferbarrett4494]

Only God can open the door if you ask. On his time. Not ours. Thanks be to the Most Holy Trinity

[@orlandogarcia7043]

Obedience is the greatest of all virtues. Be obedient to God and his church, not some people who have come to power and are making a mockery of our faith right in front of our eyes, that's not obedience.

[@ndumferdy2545]

Who are the "some people"?

[@Safe-and-effective]

@@ndumferdy2545 The ones who put down Catholic Traditions at every turn while gleefully donning a native american feather headrests, for instance. That's just an example. I'm not implying that has actually happened or anything like that.

[@deluge848]

​@@Safe-and-effectiveThat actually happened!!

[@deluge848]

​@ndumferdy2545 where have you been??!

[@Safe-and-effective]

@@deluge848 Yes. I was being sarcastic.

[@theromanbaron]

Moral virtues are not above theological virtues. This is in the Summa. Obedience cannot be followed if it breaks the higher law of Faith

[@aaronsomerville2124]

Best comment. It’s no virtue to obey the Sanhedrin or the Romans and betray Christ. If Brian wants to obey peadoughs and disobey Quo Primum then he has chosen eternal damnation. I think Brian would rather please the sick old men of this world than to take the difficult road of pleasing God.

[@BrianHoldsworth]

Right. That's why I said it was the highest _natural_ virtue - aside from faith, hope, and love.

[@penanceixx447]

@@BrianHoldsworth If I could posit my own question, independent of the comments here above, but in response to the crux of the disagreement: If you made those past videos as an act of faith, hoping they would be of some theological benefit to those who saw them, because of your love for God, His Church, and your fellow man, then wouldn't the faith, hope, and love in them outweigh or even imply obedience? God bless.

[@johndeighan2495]

I think Brian’s attitude is a lot more humble and gracious than yours, and it’s not close.

[@johndeighan2495]

I’m just jumping in here, I realise… but no, I get what Brian is doing and why. Obedience is the form of faith. And also the form of love. The Bible talks about “the obedience of faith”. Jesus says “anyone who loves me will obey my commandments.” Does that mean every act of obedience is by definition an act of theological faith and love? No, of course not: we don’t admire those N*sis who were “just following orders”. Yet the converse is true: every genuine act of faith and love is also an act of obedience. And deeper faith and love correlates to purer obedience. I admire Brian for desiring to grow in obedience.

[@id9653]

Staying sceptical isn’t a lack of obedience but a lack of orthodoxy in bishops.

[@edwardman1742]

This was inspirational and so very true. It’s a message that desperately needs to be shared.

[@socialsmigs1626]

A holy priest I know of once said that obedience is always first of the three vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience that is tested by the devil. Once the vow of obedience is broken, the other vows soon come tumbling after. Mary, abyss of humility, pray for us!

[@rdubstrebol]

Exercising integrity is always the best option. Not an easy option, but well worth it.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

christians can't do that, they have to make sure they don;'t annoy god, you can't have integrity and be a suck up.

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

Integrity... Can't see that on the list of virtues. Freemason idea, I believe.

[@rdubstrebol]

@@wolfthequarrelsome504 I think integrity comes in the form of the exercising all of the virtues.

[@amyschlegel1180]

God bless you, Brian, Catholic history is filled with examples of saints who were raised up by God because of their humility and obedience to their legitimate religious superiors, even when their superiors were wrong. I pray that you will one day be counted among these “saints of humility and obedience.” Thank you for your example to us.

[@graham973]

Dude, I've got so much respect for you.

[@poetmaggie1]

I often think of our Lady's obedience, I knew that was how she became Our Lady. I knew it was the most important thing she did, I know that it was what Adam and Eve refused. Thank you. True obedience is a thin line.

[@peaceandlove544]

She was obedient to God

[@josephodoherty7864]

​@@peaceandlove544 Given by a messenger not directly and the foundation of Her Son's Church and the Keys to the Kingdom ( to Heaven & Hell ) were given to the Pope & Bishops NOT the Bible or even an angel.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

@@peaceandlove544 our lady of the subservience. lol. make yer minds up, can women go to work or not?

[@HarryNicNicholas]

@@josephodoherty7864 there is no god, it's all poorly thought out stories. grow up, santa is not bringing that train set you prayed for.

[@mishasumi6827]

Fasting is virtuous. But sometimes can be deadly if not used prudently.

[@masterchief8179]

You are a good humble man. I knew something like this would happen eventually. Thank you for your work, sir. From Brazil with love.

[@anonymous3274]

You not only talk the talk but really walk the walk. May God bless you for living the faith and not just mouthing it.

[@3176sue]

God bless you and may your ministry grow immensely in your obedience. 🙏🏼

[@GloriaJesu]

God bless you for being sensitive to this and following through with your conviction. I think more people need to follow in your steps. I see a lot of prudence in you.

[@lukeknott2779]

This resonates deeply with me. Thank you so much for this video, Brian!!!

[@Phoenixmagnus]

Obedience leads to Sainthood.

[@heinmolenaar6750]

No, it leads to hell

[@haronsmith8974]

@@heinmolenaar6750 lol quoting satan today on a christian page? That's weird.

[@heinmolenaar6750]

All religions have caused great suffering to humanity. Especially islam and christianity. ​@@haronsmith8974

[@kalielsouza9136]

@@heinmolenaar6750 Idk dude seems like what lucifer would say

[@watermain48]

For such a young man you exhibit a remarkable amount of wisdom.

[@contemporaryfighter]

"For as humility is the foundation of all other virtues, so it is the foundation of obedience. If you do not first lay this foundation of humility, whatever you build will topple down." Source: St. Augustine's Letters, specifically Letter 118.

[@just1smind]

I saw that on the Saints Alive show, episode 4 I think, about St Augustine.

[@LightHouse_222]

I realised right now that the more I follow the teachings of Catholic and Orthodox teachers, the less I can "obey" my parents. Both of them were very disparaging about church and church doctorine. (Both grew up in very religious homes, turned their backs on it, and were openly disappointed that two of my siblings went into church life at a young adult age.) Now it is my turn. I have to disobey my parents and review my upbringing to follow the church. I am 55 ! It started with teenage rebellion and ended up in a bad marriage where I listened to (obeyed) my spouse into a life of iniquity. So we have to be aware of who we consciously or unconsciously obey. (It can even be our favourite popstar or politician. ) Discernment is important. Thank you for a thought provoking video. Just earlier today I heard a homelie on being as wise as a serpent and as meek as a dove. To be careful of who we follow. So to find your video this evening has helped tremendously. As a baby Christian, I needed to hear this today. I even wrote it onto a card to stick up in a visible place.

[@Atxfamily1234]

Thank you for being an example of humble obedience. The ire and divisiveness online between Christians is not a helpful witness to anyone. This video message is a step in the right direction.

[@consecratedsoul]

St. Thomas Aquinas: ''An unjust law is no law at all.'' In principle we must obey our leaders *unless* they command us to/towards sin. If any leader willingly causes perpetual scandal and leads the flock to sin, it would be unreasonable, foolish, and an insult to God NOT to be skeptical and be lead astray.

[@sleepystar1638]

Error has no rights

[@mikazoftstrom2343]

If we are speaking of obedience to the church than this is complicated. God is eternal and therefore, so is His church and its teachings. Everyone, including clergy, is required to obey its teachings. They can not make a law that stands in opposition to another previous teaching.

[@anthonyhulse1248]

Does St. Thomas believe the Church proclaims unjust laws?

[@RayMack-xz7xg]

The Faculty of the Theology of the Sorbonne went against John XXII's error on the Beatific Vision thankfully leading to his repentance. St. CatherineofSiena opposed the election of Clement II though every Cardinal voted him in after tossing UrbanVI under the bus.

[@anthonyhulse1248]

No. The magisterium hands on (tradere) Christ Himself.

[@mariemorrison6278]

I'm a Third Order Franciscan for whom obedience is paramount. All the saints obeyed legitimate authority, especially in the Church. Well done.

[@celestemary915]

Thank you for this honest and extremely virtuous video. I am now officially a Brian Holdsworth fan! I am a convert to the faith. I entered the church in 2008 thinking I was coming into the " One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church only to find lack of charity and disobedience as two of the most common traits I see among our good Catholic brothers and sisters. I've been feeling sad about this seeing these people turning against the Church and its leadership so publicly. I am happy to see you are taking this opportunity to use your platform as a place of unity and peace. May God richly bless you and your family and thank you for standing up for truth. When we do that, God will surely take care of the rest. He certainly doesn't need our help and limited perspectives. ❤

[@charliek2557]

Brian: this makes my heart rejoice with so much gladness. This is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen online in a long time. This is from a heart of love and conviction which is what our Lord prays for when He says, “I pray they may be one…”. God bless you dear brother.

[@TruthSeeker-333]

I recommend reading Dr Kwasniewskis book True Obedience. Obedience is conditional when it concerns men, because if they are not obeying Gods will we would be disobedient to God by obeying them. Only God is due unconditional obedience

[@markgriffiths5289]

Thank you for being so honest. Obedience really is the most difficult virtue. But it is essential because God does have a plan and He is in control. We don’t want to be getting in the way of the Divine plan. I love your channel & your passion. God Bless you 🙏😊

[@kristendahlke5777]

Your channel helped lead me to the Church. Your humility, sacrifice, obedience and striving for peace within the body here in this video, encourages my soul. Thank you. May our Lord bless you, keep you, and make his face shine upon you. As you have been a blessing unto my life, my my prayers be a blessing unto yours. You are in my prayers.

[@billsmalley4911]

A question might be. Does my habitual ovedience to these leaders help me to be obedient to God? If it doesn't, because you find yourself more angry at how God could give you such leaders, then it might not be. Normally, obedience should follow a hierarchy....but if you have a tyrannical parent, it doesnt work in that way. You might just have to bypass a parent altogether.

[@josephodoherty7864]

Your question & the conclusion you draw is a fallacy. There may be much you should be obeying (ie., in the scope of their authority) by these leaders instruction while there are things that make you angry. The angry reaction may indicate you need spiritual direction or perhaps highlight that they are actually saying something you need to hear. If you know that the teaching of the Church is true it's irrelevant that these individuals fail to live up to it. Obedience covers defending the Church & it's teaching while simultaneously calling out some bad behaviour but do be wary of spotting motes in the eyes of others...you know the rest.

[@RJ-bu6es]

Your response is nonsense. You obey God first not man even if he be a cleric of the church teaching heresy.

[@ndumferdy2545]

You seem to redefine Obedience to your taste because you wish to obey, yet you do not wish to sacrifice your will. Pick one.

[@billsmalley4911]

@@josephodoherty7864 I didn't say every time you are angry then you shouldn't obey. I said if submission of will is causing real violence interiorly to you and is thus making you frustrated at God then you shouldn't do it. Mine is a minimalist claim about anger and you made it maximalist.

[@mortensimonsen1645]

I LOVE THIS! Our love must transcend the faults of our leaders and shepherds. We submit and pray for them. What a church we would be if we all did this! My PRIMARY reason for converting to Catholicism (after a long life as a committed Protestant) was AUTHORITY. I am so grateful for having the possibility to believe that the Pope and the Catholic Church really have authority given by Jesus. So many Catholics today think themselves smart when they try to correct the leadership. It *can* be done - but it must be done with proper reverence and humility. My best example is that we're the *body*. And a body (or part of the body) is allowed to say "this hurts". We don't give advice or lectures. We can in all humility say: I have a pain, possibly because of this or that. Then our appointed leaders will decide if and what can be done. WELL DONE, BRIAN! You have my support!

[@TheDomiDiamond]

Thank you for your contribution to the salvation of the Church...to bring healing to the body of Christ❤✝️🙏🏻

[@pattycakez578]

Thank you Brian, for sharing your discernment. My spiritual life has been wandering lately, and I’ve been grasping at the other virtues, and this hidden spiritual gem was neglected. Ave. Maria!

[@BenjaminOwenSlattery]

Thank you so much! I tend to struggle with things the opposite of how most other people do, so I struggle with an excess of obedience. It’s really hard when my first instinct is to obey my parents right away, but their instruction is for me to go to Mass less or to never go to Confession, and to not believe the teachings of the Church, ever since they left. Please pray for me to be able to move out soon if you can, I’ll pray for you too 🙏❤️‍🔥

[@laurenclyde]

Thank you, Brian for “walking the talk”, making this sacrifice ❤

[@marcuslow1386]

Brian, thank you for coming to this position albeit a difficult one. I have been really hoping that you would and Thanks be to God!

[@user-rh5pf3cy6d]

Amen! This is a breath of fresh air. God bless.

[@miguelsemidei7619]

Obedience is easily done when the superior actually knows what he is asking, when this is not the case and is blatantly reverse , it is almost impossible obey .

[@Stripemas]

Lmbo! This isn’t true at all! It’s difficult even when the superior knows what he is asking…

[@Michael-vf2mw]

@@Stripemas If you don't have the virtue, sure. Anything can be difficult if you suck at it.

[@Stripemas]

@@Michael-vf2mwdude, you should see how Christ reacted to obedience… that might be a Good indicator.

[@Michael-vf2mw]

@@Stripemas I don't follow, dude. Care to elaborate?

[@richardbethencourt1083]

What a great decision Mr. Holdsworth. "Silence" is an effective answer to provocation, both to let silence be eloquent and to allow charity provoke rectification.

[@livelyfaith]

On the contrary, a worthwhile question to ask: Is obedience owed to an authority figure when said person, by evidence of reason, offers a directive that is contrary to (or at the least causes confusion over) Scripture and Church Tradition?

[@chrisflanigan7908]

I think Brain answered this with the Pontius Pilate example.

[@MonstersOfTheUniverse]

Yes Obedience is FAITHFULNESS as it’s not enough to HAVE FAITH but be FAITHFUL to the commandment of God

[@veehope2702]

Obedience to who? I'm confused.

[@KnowLoveServeHim]

Thank you for saying this! It needs to be said.

[@lorraineklimek1677]

If the earthly representatives of Christ exhort us to hold beliefs, or commit acts contrary to God’s Word, they have lost their authority. Christ said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” Obedience to rightful authority is a virtue; blind obedience to those who are openly creating a new religion is not. “I was only following orders,” was not accepted at Nuremberg and will not be accepted on the day of judgement. Padre Pio is often cited as an example of virtuous obedience, and indeed he was, but Padre Pio was never instructed to preach or commit acts contrary to the tenets of the Catholic faith.

[@Quekksilber]

And maybe we aren't commanded to do that now. By what authority do you hold that view?

[@salsalvatierra]

You and I both will grow with your decision. It takes courage to stand corrected for the right reasons, as you stated. Keep it up.

[@roadwary56]

I'm in the inquiring stage of possible adult conversion from the background of anti-Catholicism so this was a good lesson/example for me, and as non-Catholic I can plainly see that this is not cowardice at all but to the contrary, Catholic means universal, so for the good of the collective you are doing what is in the best interest of all that might be affected and that to me is admirable. It always requires more courage to confess, admit and then correct our perceived mal actions. This draws me closer to your faith because I find it is a sign of strength and good character, christian virtue. If we know a tree by its fruit then you are making your tree look good.

[@johncowles6]

What resource states that "The Church teaches that obedience is the highest natural virtue?" Is it in a catechism? Canon law? Consensus of the Fathers? Where, specifically, does the Church "teach" this?

[@Didi-oz8kg]

Since we are going to practice obedience to the Church, do you have any faculty to preach online given by the Church?

[@Bruno69847]

This virtue we see clearly in the life of any saint. You are right, my friend.

[@cecymar6362]

Wow! You are a hard but good example to follow...

[@michaelrome3527]

Good job Brian, glad you finally came to this conclusion. God bless.

[@user-ll3wf6bb6c]

Bravo Brian! You finally got it right! May the Holy Spirit be with you always

[@amyschlegel1180]

“You finally got it right”?? What a condescending statement! Brian almost always gets it right!

[@iamterico]

You are on to something to meditate on and pay attention. It’s profound. This is where the rubber meets the road in our conversion. Thanks Brian!

[@pietersmits7485]

Once again, you're right. I can imagine it's been a hard decision, but trust me that you've taken the right one. It's not cowardess, as you've said it at the time.

[@monikamoldvay6102]

I applaud your decision, Brian. Your kind warning found me at the best moment as I've been trying to find some balance in my spiritual life in this regard.

[@deluge848]

We need to know the truth of what our leaders are doing so we can pray for them. I need to learn how to do that more. I do not like many, even our "pope", but that doesn't give me a right to criticize, but the atrocities they commit needs to be brought into the light, people need to know the truth. The truth hurts, but it will set you free!

[@marjoriemiranda-diaz1484]

This was absolutely beautifully put. I almost cried at the end: to be obedient in a sacrificial way, to practice what we preach. Obedience is such a big hurdle for all of us. I have financial struggles as an elder single woman now, but I really want to support your channel. Your content is excellent. As part of a ministry that evangelizes in the streets (St. Paul Street...), our team leader put together a list of recommendations to listen to. I recommended your name long ago (after I heard your conversion story). So you are in that list of recommended Catholics to listen to. Solid. Thank you for the content you provide. May God's providence bless you and your sacrifice be rewarded by Him who can do all things.

[@williamjones6971]

After a point, to be silent is to be complicit. “We've had enough exhortations to be silent. Cry out with a thousand tongues - I see the world is rotten because of silence.” ― St. Catherine of Siena

[@Dan-mm7gc]

Citation needed.

[@williamjones6971]

​@@Dan-mm7gc St. Catherine of Siena is a doctor of the Church. Thus far there are four female saints who are doctors of the Church: Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Saint Hildegard of Bingen, and Saint Catherine of Siena. Doctors of the Church are recognized for the quality of their writing and thought. Saint Catherine of Siena lived during the Western Schism, a time when two and ultimately three rivals claimed to be the valid Pope. The period was unsurprisingly marked by demoralization and corruption. The quote comes from her 16th letter to an unidentified "great prelate". Saint Catherine of Siena, being from Siena, was Italian and thus her original statement was in that language. She wrote "Oimè, non più tacere! Gridate con cento migliaia di lingue. Veggo che, per tacere, il mondo è guasto, la Sposa di Cristo è impallidita, toltogli è il colore, perchè gli è succhiato il sangue da dosso, cìoè che il sangue di Cristo, che è dato per grazia e non per debito." The quote “We've had enough exhortations to be silent. Cry out with a thousand tongues - I see the world is rotten because of silence.” is the most common English summary of her words. Another and more literal translation from the Italian is: "Be silent no more! Cry out with one hundred thousand tongues. I see that, because of this silence, the world is in ruins, the Spouse of Christ has grown pale; the color is taken from her face because her blood has been sucked out, that is the blood of Christ, which is given as a free gift and not by right." which is a bit more forceful and emphatic. As for "After a point, to be silent is to be complicit" that is my own observation, based on observation and participation in criminal law. There are reasons malefactors appreciate omerta. Silence creates no disturbance to evil doers, and allows their crimes to perpetuate. Larceny, trafficking, abuse and deceptions of all kind. But one need not be a principal to participate. The sympathetic or intimidated observer can participate by first becoming and obscurantist, and ultimately an accomplice. The Saint here is attempting to discourage such complicity.

[@Quekksilber]

But we shouldn't presume that we can discern that in the same way as this Saint did. Which is why we need obedience.

[@williamjones6971]

@@Quekksilber We all know evil when we see it. To cosset evil through silent acceptance is to assist in its spread and perpetuation. It also shirks the duty of warning the evil doer of their evil deeds and the consequences. It also requires false humility to justify the shirking. False humilty is a form of pride.

[@williamjones6971]

@@Dan-mm7gc I provided the citation you demanded but it was removed. How uncharitable of someone towards you. It is within the saint's 'Letter letter #16, to an unidentified “great prelate”, and in the orginal is "Oimè, non più tacere! Gridate con cento migliaia di lingue. Veggo che, per tacere, il mondo è guasto, la Sposa di Cristo è impallidita, toltogli è il colore, perchè gli è succhiato il sangue da dosso, cìoè che il sangue di Cristo, che è dato per grazia e non per debito."

[@joy56920]

Dang Brian, you continue to amaze me with your insights and humility. Well done indeed.

[@lucielucijatica3243]

"Obedience is a virtue." 🙏

[@marciapd10]

excellent. this is so necessary nowadays. this is to be humble prudent and wise thimk. lets be more like st joseph

[@SensusFidelium]

Algorithms don’t care really. One month my channel gets a ton of views and another month half. Didn’t change anything. Regarding the topic. That’s why I stay away from all that. Just too much drama in the LBC

[@laurants]

True, I will not see more of Brian's videos because of the algorithm, but because I unsubscribed from his channel.

[@theotokos84]

Thank you Brian! I have so much respect for this decision. I think many people have a lot of valid concerns but this is what seemed to be missing from those conversations… remembering our obligation to obedience. I’m a convert from Protestantism and in converting, it was a relief to let go of the obligation to research and investigate everything myself to determine if it was true or not - “just me and my Bible” style, with me as the arbiter of all that was true - and trust the Church that Jesus founded to guide me. I confess it’s felt scary for me to see these divisions springing up in the Catholic Church, how much trust in and obedience to legitimate church authorities has deteriorated, some prominent Catholics flirting with schism, etc. It feels too “Protestant” in some ways. Your video helped me get my bearings, so I think this is a step in the right direction of encouraging that habit of obedience you were talking about.

[@KyleMiller]

If the videos spoke truth, that is obedience to the truth. It is right & just and should not be put under a bushel basket.

[@PhilipBlair-by7ic]

Brian I appreciate this and thank you for the call to obedience

[@colleenmcfarland5573]

Obedience is my guidepost, it is a beautiful virtue to live by. I say this after living my life for 50+ years without it, 15+ years with it.

[@petper6892]

I absolutely love this video! Thank you Brian, God bless you and your audience 🙏

[@mgw9562]

Excellent talk! I read a lot of the masters and saints they all talk about OBEDIENCE!

[@johnhoelzeman6683]

I'm glad obedience is one virtue ive been able to grow in. I struggled with it so much in the past, but attaining it has brought me so much peace and joy, especially in regards to our Pontiff

[@whoknows4279]

So, St. Catherine of Siena should have just remained silent to what was happening in the Church in her era, that would have been Obedience. I do realize the need for obedience to the Will of the Father but I am not going to NOT ask the Holy Spirit for Wisdom and Discernment in matters in the Church that seem to be causing confusion and chaos, I will not bow down to a statue of Pachamama even if heirarchy of the Church are doing that... just an example and just my opinion.

[@annburke6705]

Learn the faith and repent

[@thecatholicdad]

What a beautiful act of humility, sincere intellectual honesty, and courage! I have been working on a book idea centered around Obedience and our rebel nature as fallen human beings, and this was extremely helpful in both confirming my thought and expanding it. Thank you!

[@oneworldonepeople6429]

Wow I am impressed ! I have been struggling with self denial Letting God lead my life Not me Obedience never succeeded with that yet But human and constantly failing Trying to pick up my cross and Follow Christ But constantly dropping it and saying I deserve more or not to do this Then I come back and try again I guess that’s me practicing my faith And hope to get it right sooner than later Again looks as if you are moving forward Thanks for what you do I am also a Brian Spelled the right way 😮

[@Catmonks7]

Obedience is key all the saints were obedient till death so was our lord who obeyed the father till the end. St padre pio is a great example. Read the rule of st Benedict and the rule of st Francis of Assisi of what submission and obedience truly is. God bless 🙏🇻🇦✝️

[@GaryBallardToney]

I'm not RC, but I needed to hear this for a few reasons. One, I am a dad of six young adults. And two, I am EO, and there have been things that I did not agree with done or said by my Spiritual Leaders. So, I try to pray and keep my criticisms private with my parish priest or say nothing at all & pray.

[@christiaanmeadows9081]

I would certainly not call it cowardice nor laziness. I would, however, call it a misread of the hour. In so much as sin and error consist in putting lesser goods above a greater good, it is simply a no brainer that sooner or later, the devil would get us to willingly put say the number 4 virtue ahead or one or more of the top 3. False obedience has probably destroyed the faith of millions. All things being equal, the hierarchy deserve the benefit of the doubt. But all things are not equal and I would say that being too ready to obey the bishops is most likely an act of negligence. One might say that if we obey through our sacrifice of our will, God will bring a greater good out of it. No doubt He will, but He also can bring a greater good in the world even out of sins. But when we look at the Church, regarding the liturgy and thus the faith of many, this has not been born out. This means either God is failing on his end of the bargain or that the obedience of the laity of the past 50 years has been a great and harmful error. It is obviously not the former. But in the latter, the laity have PARTICIPATED in and acquiesced to the destruction the faith. In one sense I have no control over the bishop so what is it to me? But there is also the public bearing of false witness of bad authority. Bad authority unchallenged is silence before the false proclamation that God, after whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named, is actually evil and unwise like His ostensible representatives. In the small fishbowl of the tradosphere, present criticism of authority might seem outsized. In the perspective of past 50 years and the greater population of Catholics it is drastically underrepresented.

[@RobertCairo]

The virtue of obedience has been on my mind, also.The hierarchy within the Catholic Church has been making many bad decisions, but I've become wary of the sites that have been reinforcing disobedience and now avoid them.

[@ranubedaliful]

Well said sir, obedience to God en His Church doesn't mean we can not be critical to the Pope, Bishops and Priests but at the end we must obey their decicision and let Holy Spirit guide our Blessed Beloved Church 😇 God bless us en the Church, His bride

[@AdCab77]

I would have said humility. Obedience makes sense.

[@patrickirish8091]

Which don bosco asked why so many people fall into hell an ángel answered "Disobedience" and something about human respect.

[@G-MIP]

“The devil can imitate humility but he cannot imitate obedience.” -St. Faustina

[@Michael-vf2mw]

@@G-MIP Seems like such a non-sensical quote. Did St Faustina say why she thought that?

[@danieldefonce]

I still side on Humility, as that is the inner virtue that drives authentic obedience. One can obey authority yet have a rebellious soul, but one who is truly humble will obey godly authority with a docile soul. Let us not forget that it was the “obedient” elder brother who separated himself from the Father while it was the humility of the “disobedient” son that led him to repentance and reconciliation.

[@patrickirish8091]

@@danieldefonce true but would you want a worker that dosnt obey and listen and complete his work. I always remember when Samuel rebuked king Saul saying"Obedience is better than sacrifice". In essence he lacked humility AND obedience.

[@cherylshockley977]

God bless you- we all need that message. That is where unity is discovered, and ultimately the Peace of Christ.

[@appealtolove]

Being a faithful son or daughter of the church is difficult. Thank you for your efforts to teach and share truth.

[@rickybaker42]

Brian, can you point me to the Catholic literature/teaching that says obedience is highest among natural virtues? I seem to remember that prudence is the highest, because it governs all virtues and determines which virtue is required in individual cases. Which is why if we are encouraged or commanded by a superior to support novel/contrary doctrines we are allowed to disobey. In fact, prudence may dictate that we exercise the virtues of courage and charity and also offer (respectful, helpful, humble) push back. Edit: I would add though, I think what you’re doing is very admirable and worthwhile. It is very easy to forget the importance of obedience, especially as our understanding of truth shifts and develops over time.

[@BrianHoldsworth]

www.newadvent.org/cathen/11181c.htm

[@bornincarmel]

First I have heard about you. We are blessed with lots of good Catholic content. I will follow you now

[@johnl.5117]

Obedience is required to one with authority over you and who is clearly following what our Lord Jesus taught. There seems to be some occasional Church leadership issues with the latter. Discernment is a necessity.

[@tethmaw]

As one in formation for the permanent diaconate, the study and practice of the virtues is something that is being drilled into us. I found this script to be very well worded and accurate. Much appreciated!

[@jperickson7737]

Hearty Hearty applause. Well done.