The word obedience means, in its origins, being a good listener. And that connects with so much in the Gospel about watching, being sensitive to the signs of the times, and to what the spirit is saying to the churches - be an attentive listener. So the opposite of obedience, in the Latin origins of these words, is, believe it or not, absurdity, being utterly deaf. So we have only two options, in life: we are obedient or we are absurd. (From The Passion of Political Love, 1987, Sheed & Ward, London, page 1)
This book, which appears to be out of print, was recommended by a friend in 1991. I must confess, I have never really found my way beyond this paragraph on the first page but I have returned to it time and again. It might seem to be saying: simply do what you think is right. I don't think it is. It is saying that acting with integrity is hard work.
These days, we might not be completely happy with the reference to deafness. However, Cullinan's point is not that we merely listen. We are invited to engage with all our senses in the world where we find ourselves; to engage in the here and now. Or in the words of John Vincent, 'it's where your feet are'. Rublev's icon of the Trinity, shows obedience as relationship. There is no coercion to obey in this relationship and yet all three are obedient.
Comments