Papal preacher says obeying God brings inner peace

Published: 2006-03-31

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Obeying God means living out God's plan, which then brings inner peace and serenity, said the preacher of the papal household. God wants his flock to be obedient, not because he wants to rule his underlings, but because it means "we are carrying out God's will" and aiming for the same things God wants, said Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa. The more people conform their lives to what God has planned, the more they will be bathed in the light of truth and, as a result, in peace, the preacher said in a Lenten reflection offered March 31 to Pope Benedict XVI and senior Vatican officials. The Capuchin said a reflection on the importance of obedience could help contribute to a "good spiritual climate in the church and the Curia" every time one is faced with the possibility of job or personnel changes.

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