Don Bosco Philippines South Province

Today we are enjoying the blessings of freedom and the exercise of our personal autonomy. But all is not well because many do not know how to use it; people actually abuse it. The world has become excessively individualistic where people prize its ability to decide for themselves on what is right and wrong, on the true and good. They just do what they like because they feel like to do it. The world frowns on restrictions and control. It is suspicious of authority and rules. It simply wants to be free and uninhibited. Consequently, obedience is not a popular virtue these days.

From the pop culture being promoted, I get the impression that if a young person is disobedient and rebellious he or she is being fashionable. The individual who sticks up for his or her rights is the smart one. To disobey is portrayed as cool in story or song. Rebellion is celebrated. Ours has become a self-centered society only good in issuing orders but not in obeying them. We seem to value obedience only when we demand it from others.

Obedience may be considered ‘old fashioned,’ still it remains one of the pillars of inner strength for those who exercise it in their lives. In the family, if this virtue is practiced, it creates better relationship. It establishes a strong bond and cohesion to the family members when children obediently submit to their parents because as they say ‘parents know best.’ One of the beautiful stories told to me as a boy was the famous myth of Icarus and Daedalus. Since Daedalus was a master craftsman, he made wings for himself and his son, Icarus, so that they could escape from the tower they were imprisoned. Before their escape, Daedalus cautioned his son not to fly so close to the sun lest the wax that held the wings together should melt. But he disobeyed his father’s advice and thus fell to his death. Youngsters would do well if they follow their parents’ advice.