Dear friends in Christ, as we approach the Holy Week, the Church reminds us of the importance of holding on to God, even in the face of adversity. Jesus’ words in the Gospel text echo this theme, emphasizing that everyone who commits sin is a slave. We become slaves when we succumb to the powers of men, losing sight of our true freedom and identity as children of God.
On Monday, we were inspired by Susanna’s words of faith, “…I prefer to fall innocent into your power than to sin in the eyes of the Lord.” Her courageous stance highlights the significance of choosing faith over fear, even when faced with daunting circumstances. Similarly, in today’s first reading, we see Shedrack, Meshach, and Abednego standing firm in their faith, refusing to worship other gods and risking persecution. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that our choices have consequences, and that choosing freedom over slavery is a fundamental aspect of our faith.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of freedom, declaring, “The truth will make you free.” These words resonate deeply, as we reflect on the nature of freedom and its relationship to our faith. Jesus is the ultimate source of freedom, empowering us to live as God wants us to live, to love as God loves, and to strive for perfection. As Paul so eloquently puts it, this is the “glorious freedom of the children of God,” the freedom to live in accordance with God’s purpose for our lives.
As we journey through the Holy Week, let us reflect on our own lives and consider how we can choose freedom over slavery. May we be inspired by the examples of Susanna, Shedrack, Meshach, and Abednego, and may we find the courage to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity. May God bless us with his Holy Spirit, guiding us to choose freedom over slavery and empowering us to live as children of God. Amen.
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