SO GOOD QUOTES

On Docility

Docility is the willingness to be taught and guided. The virtue of docility refers to our yielding to the influence of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of the Lord, the Church and our spiritual fathers. It is one of the striking contrasts between the disciples and the Pharisees. “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear…Therefore hear the parable” (Mt 13:16-18). Docility is a reminder that so much of the spiritual life is not about what we do for God but letting God attract us, instruct us and guide us. What makes the disciples’ eyes and ears “blessed” is that they are in a state of humble receptivity. The Pharisees, however, display a cold rigidity which blinds them. Jesus tells them, “but since you claim, we see,’ your guilt remains” (Un 9:41).

The spiritually mature person is always docile to the workings of God through a humble openness which accepts correction from others. One day, St. Pachomius the Great was visiting one of the monastic communities under his care and he sat down to weave some mats. A young boy visiting the monastery that day saw the saint doing his work and, not knowing that this was not only a revered elder but the father of the whole community, approached him saying, “Not so father! Do not turn the thread this way. Father Theodore showed us another style of weaving.” St. Pachomius rose and said to the boy, “Yes, teach me this style!” After the boy taught him, the saint sat to work gladly.

All That I Have Is Yours: 100 Meditations with St. Pope Kyrillos VI on the Spiritual Life
Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim