Section 4 | Rule 12: The Two Demonic Tactics Against the Custos’ Headship

Let the Custos be aware that the evil spirits will make every attempt to convince him to maintain the upper hand in regard to power and authority, convincing him to be restrictive with his gift of self. Yet, as our Lord Jesus warns: “The Kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them, are called beneficent. But you not so; but he that is greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is the leader, as he that serveth” (Lk 22:25-26). The holy pontiff exhorts the husband that his wife not “become a servant or slave of the husband and an object of unilateral domination” (Pope St. John Paul II).

On the other hand, the evil spirits will shame the Custos for exercising his kingly authority by convincing him that, “mutual submission out of reverence for Christ” (see Eph 5:21) releases him from his office of authority.

Let the Custos be aware that mutual subjection among spouses cannot occur without a cause or initiating force. Thus, mutual submission and a sharing of authority presupposes that the authority originates in and proceeds from the husband. As our Lord says: let the king, and he that has power, not lord it over his subjects, but let the leader be one who serves (See Mt 23:11). Therefore, to lead with authority is to serve and to serve with authority presupposes that the husband has been granted such authority from God. To use one’s authority either to dominate or to dismiss one’s authority for fear of dominating is not of God.

Devin Schadt | Executive Director of the Fathers of St. Joseph

Ite ad Joseph