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ust as  our  divine  Lord  Himself  became  obedient unto  death,  thus  also  His  incarnation  and the motherhood  of  Mary  were  the  result  of  obedience. Again, in  contemplating  the  works  that  in the  course  of  time  were  undertaken  in  the Church for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation of man,  we  find  that  only  those  were  really great, effective,  and  enduring,  which  had  their beginning, continuation,  and  consummation  in obedience.

Rejoice, then,  if  it  is  your  happy  lot  to  walk in the  safe  path  of  obedience. Avail yourself  of every  opportunity  to  submit  your  will  to  the  will of your  Superiors. They are  the  representatives of God. By obeying  them  we  fulfil  His  will,  not the will  of  men. St. Bonaventure  calls  obedience the key  of  heaven.

Prayer of  the  Church  (p.  97).

Litany of  Loreto  (p. 322).

oliest Mary,  if  through  thy  modesty  thou wert troubled  at  the  appearance  of  the  archangel Gabriel  in  thy  dwelling,  I  am  terrified  at  the sight of  my  monstrous  pride. By thy  incomparable humility,  which  brought  forth  God  for men, reopened  paradise  and  let  the  captive  souls go free  from  their  prison,  draw  me,  I  pray  thee,