(Latin: ob, near; audio, hear)
Submission to the will or law of one who exercises authority; to the Will or law of God, to the laws of the Church; to a lawfully constitutes superior, civilor religious. With poverty and chastity it is one of the chief counsels of Christ. It may be practised by persons living outside a religious community in regard to spiritual directors. Usually it is the subject of a vow in a religious order or congregation. It implies exterior performance of a command, and, as far as possible, interior also.