Jesuit Obedience

An Allegory

By

Anthony J. Fejfar, B.A., J.D., Esq., Coif

© Copyright 2008 by Anthony J. Fejfar

It was a cold and rainy day. I, Tony Fitzhugh, had just finished teaching a

History class and was heading back to the Jesuit Residence. I stepped in inside and

shook off my umbrella and turned to go the elevator. Just at that moment the Provincial,

Stan Cartwright, stopped me and asked me to come in with him into one of the visitors

lounge rooms. We both sat down.

“Well, Tony, you are now 40 years old and soon will be doing your Terntianship, and

you will be eligible to be a religious superior, but before we get that far, I have a test for

you.” “Alright,” said Father Tony. “You recall, of course, that you took an obedience

vow to your superior in the Jesuits soon after graduating from the Jesuit Novitiate.” Said

the Provincial. “Yes,” said Father Tony. “Well, in obedience, I your superior am now

ordering you to commit suicide.” “You want me to commit suicide?” asked Father Tony.

“No, I may or may not want you to commit suicide, instead I am ordering you to commit

suidcide in obedience.” “Here is a vial of sodium cyanide if that will help you.” Said

the Provincial.

Tony thought it through. Committing suicide was a mortal sin and he could go to

Hell for it. On the other hand, failing to follow the orders of a religious superior was

also a mortal sin for which he could go to Hell. Tony responded, “Well, I think that

Jesus Christ is my superior in the Jesuit order and therefore you order is invalid,” said
Father Tony. “Your sure?” asked the Provincial. “Yes, I am sure,” said Father Tony.

“Excellent, you passed the test. Of course there are other ways of passing the test, but

yours is a good one. Good luck,” said the Provincial as he picked up the vial of water

marked sodium cyanide, and walked out.