For Holy Lent, I am hereby committing to the following: giving up one thing and to the taking up of one thing. Additional forms of penance--prayer, fasting, or alms giving-- may be added throughout the period of Lent, under the supervision of, and with the permission of, my husband.
For the former, I give up all instances of verbal self negativity, and as best to my ability, negative self thoughts. Furthermore, when given a compliment, I will humbly and gracefully accept the statement and thank the person who is giving it.
For the latter, I take up the task of perfect obedience to God, through the Queenship of Blessed Mary Most Holy, and in particular, through the authority of my husband. I will obey him in all things, even the most small-- in request, command, or anticipated expectance-- wholly and unreservedly, and to the best of my ability, with a meek and cheerful heart. I have the right to petition him in rare circumstances, but if my request is denied, then I will freely submit myself to my husband's will.
I acknowledge that my husband's rightful authority over me is complete and all-encompassing, and as such, he may ask anything of me and it shall be done. Furthermore, all areas of my life are subject to his judgment-- food choices, clothing, activities, speech, etc. I acknowledge that my husband has the right to add additional penances to my Lenten discipline. I also acknowledge that my husband has the right to devote a certain amount of time--be it a day, a few day, a week, etc..-- to teach or to correct me, for purposes of my formation as his wife.
Furthermore, as a way of acknowledging the authority of my husband, and thereby affecting my meekness and humility, I vow to use the proper title, "Sir," when responding to direct, authoritative questions, commands, etc. by him.
I make these promises to God this day, Ash Wednesday 2009, with the permission and assent of my husband, under the pain of sin.
(My husband's name): I have read the above and give my consent to my wife's undertaking of these Lenten sacrifices.
________________________________ (My Husband's Signature)
________________________________ (My Signature)
2 Comments
These definitions are all from my new-found friend, "Dictionary.com" :-) I absolutely love having a precise definition of things, even if I already know what they mean in general or within a specific context. Yes, I was the nerd who, growing up, actually read the dictionary for fun. And I still like it. Yes, I'm a major nerd. ;-) In particular, though, I wanted to have a concise understanding of the following words: Submit, obey, completely, authority, slave / bond servant, subject, and subordinate. This word study, I think, will help me keep a proper perspective towards the highest of wifely ideals. O Lord, I am not worthy All squares are rectangles, but not all rectanges are squares. In the same way, submission is obedience, but not all obedience is submission. In obeying, one merely complies. It does not necessarily indicate a desire of the will to surrender to the will or authority of ones superior. Indeed, one can outwardly obey while also grumbling. |
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