Difficult or Impossible Tasks
When faced with difficult or impossible tasks, receive orders with obedience and seek guidance, trusting in God's help.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of meekness, obedience, and submission to authority, even when faced with difficult or impossible tasks. He advises that if a burden becomes too heavy to bear, it is acceptable to humbly communicate one's limitations to the superior without pride or resistance. Ultimately, he encourages obedience out of love and trust in God's help, believing that following the commands of authority figures is for the individual's benefit.
Text
If it happens that difficult or impossible tasks are laid on a sister, let her nevertheless receive the order of the one in authority with all meekness and obedience. But if she sees that the weight of the burden altogether exceeds the limit of her strength, let her submit the reasons for her inability to the one who is over her in a quiet way and at an opportune time, without pride, resistance, or contradiction. And if after these representations the Superior still persists in her decision and command, let the subject know that this is for her good, and let her obey out of love, trusting in the help of God.
Sermon Outline
- Receiving Orders with Obedience
- Seeking Guidance and Support
- Trusting in God's Help
- Obedience out of love
- Trusting in God's guidance
Key Quotes
“let her nevertheless receive the order of the one in authority with all meekness and obedience” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“let her submit the reasons for her inability to the one who is over her in a quiet way and at an opportune time” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- When faced with a difficult task, submit your concerns to your superior in a respectful manner.
- Trust in God's guidance and help, even when you're unsure you can complete the task.
- Obey your superior out of love, knowing it's for your good.