Lest You Remain

8 Consider that the name of shepherd belongs to every Superior, along with that of the doorkeeper to the Holy Spirit, who opens the gate for the shepherd, that is shows to the Superior, the paths of the Lord on which he is to lead the sheep entrusted to His care, his subordinates, brothers or disciples, so that they would not leave the redeeming path carried by the winds of carnal passions, or search for praise or any other self-interest. You have to respect the Superiors as if they were Christ, residing at your dwelling. Be obedient to their instructions, wishes and intentions as to the com- mands of the Holy Spirit. Rest assured, that if you are obedient to them, you will not be led astray by anyone in the future. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 9 The instructions, actions and the advice of your Superiors, spiritual directors and elders, are the acts of God who inspires, guides and leads them. When you see that something holy and admirable was performed by them, attribute it to God, and realize that they received this ability from the right hand of the Lord, and you should praise and adore Him. Consider that man, without the grace of God, is like a tree without roots, a grapevine without life, and a tool without a craftsman. Try to make an effort and attribute especially to God, those deeds which you yourself performed, and which are admirable or have received recognition. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 10 Obedience does not know any refusal, obstacle or difficulty. Indeed, the obedi- ent one takes difficult matters upon himself, and the more difficult the task he receives, the more easily he performs it. Because in the majority of important cases, the true servant of God does not count on himself, but entrusts the tasks to God and expects that He will perform them.[...] It is better to be ready to die, than to be dis- obedient. ( Inspectio Cordis ) L EST Y OU R EMAIN W ITHOUT W ORK IN THE V INEYARD OF THE L ORD 158