As a religious sister, one of the vows I publicly profess is that of obedience. In the decades since Vatican II, the understanding of that vow has shifted away from mere subservience toward humility and deep listening—especially listening for the will of God. In fact, the word “obedience” comes from the Latin for “to listen.” Last week we saw this spirit of humble obedience embodied in Mary during our celebration of the Annunciation, and it resonates again in today’s readings for Palm Sunday. While this vow has particular meaning for vowed religious, the call to obedience—to deep listening—is one that belongs to every Christian disciple.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear.” The servant’s mission begins not with action, but with listening. Before speaking, before acting, there is quiet attentiveness to God’s voice. And when we open our ears in this way and begin to discern our call, obedience invites us to remain faithful even when the path ahead is difficult. Such perseverance is possible only when we entrust our lives more fully to God’s guidance.
Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians reveals this humility lived perfectly in Christ. Though he shared in the very nature of God, Jesus “emptied himself.” His obedience was not passive resignation, but a profound openness to the Father’s will, embraced in love and trust. Even as the crowds of Palm Sunday shout their praise, we know the road ahead leads to the cross. Christ walks it freely, trusting the One who sent him.
For those of us seeking to live as Christian disciples, obedience grows from this posture of listening and trust. We are invited to cultivate hearts attentive enough to hear where God is leading and humble enough to follow, even when the way is uncertain. When we learn to listen deeply—to God and to the needs of the world around us—we become more capable of responding with courage and compassion. Then, obedience becomes not a burden, but a path to deeper freedom in God.
