Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Fifth Week of Lent (10th April, 2019) on the Gospel
Dan 3:14-20.24-25.28;
Dan 3:52-56 (R. v. 52);
Jn 8:31-42.
Topic: Allegiance determines.
Imagine one promising a president’s son or daughter who goes
wherever he/she wants freedom. This may help us understand the scenario in
today’s gospel in which Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you
continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth,
and the truth will make you free.” They protested, “We are descendants of
Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You
will be made free?’”
Jesus explained, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who
commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the
household; the son has a place there forever.” In line with this, Saint Paul
writes to the Romans, “you were slaves of sin” (Rom 6:20).
One must either be the slave of God or of the enemy, cf. Rom 6:22; 7:4; Matt 11:28-30. Like the
Jews who were surprised to hear that they were slaves, it is possible that some
do not know where they belong.
That one is baptized (born-again) is not enough certificate
for heaven. Surely, the sacrament of baptism makes us among other things children
of God. However, it is important to remember that one can lose this position,
cf. Rom 6:18; Gal 5:1. It is
important also to remember as we make choices that “the wages of sin is death,
but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). We are to live as free men
and women, yet without using our freedom as a pretext for evil; but to live as
servants of God, cf. 1Pt 2:16.
Bible Reading: Matt 11:28-30; 1Pt 2:11-17.
Thought for today: Are you free or a captive?
Let us pray: Lord, we ask you to make us free
indeed – Amen.
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