Speaking for myself, I really have a big problem with this "obedience" thing. It was a real obstacle to my discernment toward diaconate ordination. I still have my reservation, but I chose to push forward since I vowed to go on this path as far as I could and not quit on my own. The Church have to kick me out before I give up my diaconate calling. Having said this, I now see that my obedience issue is link to lack of respect, lack of trust. It's understandable, to me at least, that I can't respect or trust someone whom I do not have a relationship with. Although I am pledging my obedience to the office of the Bishop, it's still difficult for me to separate the office from the person. I am not a robot where I can distinguish between the Holy Office of the Bishop of Orange, and Kevin W. Vann. To me, they are one and the same. I would hope that Kevin W. Vann sees himself as Bishop all the time and not just some of the time. And to that end, I need to develop a relationship with Kevin W. Vann before I can give him my respect, trust, and ultimately, my obedience.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Kevin W. Vann to be our shepherd, our Bishop. Please grant him the wisdom to guide your children, courage to defend your flock, and compassion to do all in love for your people. In all this, we ask through the intercession of Mary, Mother of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reign with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
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