Obedience and the Promise of New Life

AT Easter time when we celebrate the dawn of new life in the resurrection of Christ due to His obedience to the will of God the Father, can we translate this promise by obeying those in authority in our society? “The duty of obedience requires all to give due honor to authority and to treat those who are charged to exercise it with respect, and, insofar as it is deserved, with gratitude and good-will” (CCC 1900).

When does authority become worthy of obedience? “Authority does not derive its moral legitimacy from itself. It must not behave in a despotic manner, but must act for the common good as a “moral force based on freedom and a sense of responsibility” (CCC 1902).

The well-being and the promise of new life should be the center of the exercise of those expecting obedience. “Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned and if it employs morally licit means to attain it. If rulers were to enact unjust laws or take measures contrary to the moral order, such arrangements would not be binding in conscience.” (CCC 1903).

Having been gifted with new life in the Risen Christ may we cherish such gift by choosing for the good of everybody. “If authority belongs to the order established by God, “the choice of the political regime and the appointment of rulers are left to the free decision of the citizens” (CCC 1901).

Man’s disobedience in Adam brought about death in the world. But man’s obedience in Jesus brought about new life. “By virtue of the hope in which we were saved, [we] can view the passage of time with the certainty that the history of humanity and our own individual history are not doomed to a dead end or a dark abyss, but directed to an encounter with the Lord of glory.” (SNC 19).

Happy Easter Sunday to everyone!