However, this principle applies not just to friars, monks, and Jesuits. Obedience is fundamental to the life of a priest. It holds such significance that during an ordination Mass, the vow of obedience to the bishop and his successors is the last commitment a man makes just prior to receiving the sacrament of Holy Orders. Every priest, during his ordination Mass, pledges loyalty to the Gospel and to serve as a “fellow worker” in collaboration with the bishops.

It’s an exceptional action. And one that perplexes our fundamentally American instincts. We justly value our individual liberty. However, the undeniable truth is that a priest cannot. As Archbishop Fulton Sheen states, “the priest is not his own.”

Rather than being confining and prohibitive, as we may first perceive it, the role of obedience is empowering. The Dominican rules state, “As obedience ‘establishes the foundations of self-discipline within our hearts,’ it greatly contributes to that spirit of freedom typical of God’s children, and prepares us for selfless charity” (LCO 19, §III). Obedience restrains the injured heart’s inclination toward self-determination.

By declaring and embodying obedience, we surrender our individual selves, walking the path of the Gospel: “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:24). This is the sole path. There exists no alternative. It is the path of the Lord Jesus, who obeyed even unto death on a cross (cf. Phil 2:8), and it is the path of every devoted saint to have pursued him.

The challenge with obedience, nonetheless, is that it cannot be established through a single commitment. It must be practiced daily. And not solely in the significant matters but also in the minor details as well.cf. Mt 25:23). The cross must never be placed down. Certain religious groups even maintain the tradition of reciting their vows every day, to renew their commitment on a daily basis.

The commitment to obedience is unequivocal. It does not rely on the bishop’s political views or his individual sanctity. In reality, throughout the Church’s history, remarkable holiness has emerged through saints who faced wrongful persecution from those in authority. Joan of Arc, Ignatius Loyola, John of the Cross, and Padre Pio are some notable examples. Numerous others exist as well.

Holiness requires ongoing self-denial. Each priest should repeat the words of Christ, our cherished High Priest, addressing our Heavenly Father, “not as I wish, but as you wish” (Mt 26:39). Loyalty to any other cause or individual undermines this most holy commitment, a pledge made before God and his Church.

Similar to many other aspects of the Gospel, practicing complete obedience is challenging. However, it is straightforward. Lord, bestow your blessings upon the hearts of your priests, so they may choose death over separation from your Church!

Father Patrick Briscoe, OP, is editor of Our Sunday Visitor. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMaryOP.