Living priestly obedience in a post-McCarrick Church is certainly not easy. Neither is learning obedience as seminarians in a polarized climate of distrust. Yet, such a situation is perhaps an important opportunity for a deepened understanding of priestly obedience. This study has demonstrated that priestly obedience in every era should be more than simply not breaking rules, not teaching heresy, and not turning down a priestly assignment from one's bishop. Priestly obedience is above all something positive: an orientation of one's entire self toward the Father, a robust participation in the interior freedom of Christ, an active building up of priestly fraternity. Obedience is an act of faith in Almighty God. As we contemplate leadership figures in the Church, we might question: "Why is this guy in charge?" or "Why is he so incompetent?" or "How will the Church ever regain any credibility?" An obedient priest or seminarian facing these questions finds his response in an act of faith. God is the one who chose to work through broken, sinful men. From the first twelve to the shepherds of today, the Church has stayed afloat and effectively evangelized not primarily because of the skills and virtues of men, but because of supernatural grace abundantly provided by God and accepted in obedience.
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