What makes you feel free? Is it a nice walk in the wilderness, and escape from the world-wide-web? Is it getting lost in playing and singing some music, focussing on the melody and the way the music seems to flow? Maybe it's in an afternoon of baking, having some time to work hands on through following a recipe? Whatever your hobbies, or experiences of feeling freedom, God gives us these graces each and every day. The feeling of freedom is one of excitement, ready to explore, to keep trying and not being afraid to make mistakes, usually what inspires us to continuing hobbies. When it comes to God, we are given complete freedom in this life, free to choose which path to follow, to seek God, or to turn away. When you enter a Church, do you experience this freedom and peace?
Today's Gospel states:'Jesus then 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 answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. How is it that you say, `You will be made free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father." They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God; this is not what Abraham did. You do what your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded and came forth from God; I came not of my own accord, but he sent me' (John 8:31-42).
In today's Gospel, we hear how if we listen to God's word and follow it, we will know the truth, and be free. This refers to Scripture, and to Jesus His Son. Jesus comes to set us free, free from sin and free to choose life and love. Sometimes in life, we get too caught up in busy busy busy, and don't take the time to feel free, to be grateful for the graces we're given. Take some time to thank God for the freedom you've been given to live.
Today's prayer comes from 'counting my blessings' a prayer of gratitude for freedom:
Father, through Jesus, I am set free from the eternal consequences of my sin. I am forgiven. Because of Jesus, I am free to forgive others. I am truly forever and always free to celebrate Your love with joy. Thank you! Amen.
