Embracing Authority: The Path of Humble Obedience with St. Joseph
The power of Scripture, brotherhood, and the four-day habit that fuels real change
In a world rife with rebellion against police, governments, and even Church leaders, accepting authority remains a profound challenge. Yet, Catholic teaching affirms that authority is essential for human society, rooted in our social nature and exercised as a service to the common good. Drawing from Scripture—Adam’s fateful disobedience and Jesus’ rejection of illegitimate power—and the exemplary obedience of St. Joseph, we see that true strength lies in humble submission to rightful authority. This March, the Heroic 30 Challenge invites men to cultivate St. Joseph’s virtues through daily videos from 31 leaders, fostering men God can use amid chaos.
The Roots of Rebellion: From Eden to Today
Humanity’s struggle with authority traces back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam disobeyed God’s clear command by eating the forbidden fruit, introducing sin and death into the world. This original act of rebellion echoes in modern defiance: protests against premiers, governors, prime ministers, and presidents; baseless challenges to law enforcement; even resistance within the Church. As a former police officer, the challenge of authority was daily—some critiques were valid calls for accountability, but most were unfounded, leading resisters straight to handcuffs.
“Every human community needs an authority in order to endure and develop.”
The Church teaches that civil authority is a moral power, natural to society, with God as its author. It must serve, respecting human dignity, natural law, and subsidiarity, never commanding what contradicts these. Rebellion often stems from pride, but as St. Alphonsus Liguori warns, self-will fuels all vices; obedience mortifies it, conquering even hell’s temptations.
Jesus’ Triumph: True Authority from the Father
In the Gospel readings this past Sunday, Satan tempts Jesus with authority over all the earth, but Christ refuses, knowing His power derives solely from God. Unlike Adam, Jesus embodies perfect obedience: “He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death—even to the death of the cross.” This models rightful authority—not seized, but received and exercised in service.
“Those who exercise authority should do so as a service. ‘Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.’”
Political leaders, too, must prioritize the common good over self-interest, inspired by truth about God and man. With great power comes great responsibility, as the adage reminds us—echoing Spider-Man’s wisdom, but grounded in Christ’s example.
St. Joseph: The Silent Obedient Authority
St. Joseph stands as the ultimate model: a carpenter, patron of workers, who “got up and did what he was told.” His virtues—prompt obedience, faith, chaste love, and paternal authority—fulfilled God’s plan without fanfare. Scripture portrays him rising to protect the Holy Family, submitting fully to divine will.
“The virtues of St. Joseph... especially the more recent centuries. Among those virtues the following stand out: faith... prompt and silent obedience to the will of God... dutiful exercise of his paternal authority.”
St. Alphonsus Liguori extols obedience as meriting martyrdom’s reward, for it sacrifices self-will, the soul’s “head.” A single straw lifted in obedience surpasses self-willed piety; it aligns perfectly with God’s will. Joseph’s life proves: humble obedience wields true authority.
The Heroic 30 Challenge: A Call to Obedient Manhood
Why do we rebel against the government, Church, or even bishops? At a recent men’s dinner honoring diocesan priests—attended by over 250—Bishop McGrattan urged the Heroic 30 Challenge. The next day, only nine signed up. One quipped: commanding *not* to join might yield more. Yet, this March initiative, backed by the bishop, features 31 leaders guiding men through St. Joseph’s virtues daily at [HeroicMen.org/h30](https://heroicmen.org/h30).
It’s not blind submission; inquire, lobby, challenge rightly—as I did in policing. But baseless revolt dishonors God-ordained order. My son’s profound words capture it:
“A single act of humble obedience is worth more than a multitude of pious rebellion.”
Becoming Men God Can Use
In chaos, God seeks Joseph-like men: obedient, authoritative in service, responsible leaders. Obedience isn’t weakness—it’s victory over self and Satan. Reject illegitimate power like Jesus; embrace rightful authority like Joseph. Sign up for Heroic 30 today—transform rebellion into heroic virtue.
Authority endures societies; obedience sanctifies souls. Let St. Joseph intercede as we heed the bishop’s near-command and step into God’s design.
See & search the latest conferences, groups, & ministries on The Heroic Men Map
We're on a mission to help men find real brotherhood. Loneliness is rampant, and we know that when guys find a place to connect, they stay strong in faith and life.