Juan Edmundo Vecchi – “«I have come to do your will». Our obedience: a sign and prophecy” in “Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco”

The text explores the changing perception of obedience in modern society, acknowledging skepticism and individualism. It argues for a nuanced understanding of obedience rooted in shared responsibility and faith, contrasting it with false autonomy and manipulation. Emphasizing obedience as integral to the Salesian tradition, it calls for a renewed reflection on its theological foundation and relevance in contemporary contexts.

Contents:

• Let us talk about it again
• 1. The First and radical Beatitude
• 2. Value of religious obedience
  • 2.1. “In the head of the book it is written…”
  • 2.2. Following Christ
  • 2.3. Together with Mary
  • 2.4. Like Don Bosco

• 3. A value in transformation
  • 3.1. Cultural elements
  • 3.2. Ecclesial elements
  • 3.3. Signposts
    • 3.3.1. From the ascetical to the mystical aspect
    • 3.3.2. Members responsible for community obedience
• 4. An obedience for the present day
  • 4.1. Our vocation an obedience “in formation”
  • 4.2. A pedagogy of obedience
  • 4.3. Our vocation an obedience of life and mission
  • 4.4. Our life a prophetic obedience
• 5. An obedience for the third millennium
• 6. The Annunciation: an appeal and response

Reference time period: 2001

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB