Monday 13^th October – Monday of week 28 of the year

Reflection: Galatians 4: 22-27, 31- 5:1

DEFEND YOUR FREEDOM

In every generation, freedom has been vehemently contested for by different classes of people. From earliest times, when the concept of slavery was a thriving merchandise, the slaves desired freedom by all means. The slave-masters would always want the slaves to be at their service. A slave really has no right, not even the ‘right to life’. This is the reason for many agitations worldwide at the least sign of modern slavery. Most of the freedom we enjoy today were fought for and obtained by people’s blood. Hence, freedom is not easy to obtain.

The picture above gives a glimpse into what eternal freedom is all about. Christ won our freedom on the cross of Calvary; paying for it with His own blood. What a Saviour He is! This freedom however must be defended. There is often a temptation to relax and become complacent after freedom is obtained. It is at the moment of relaxation that the enemy makes reinforcement in order to launch another attack. And if you are not awake, you may be fatally wounded. Beloved, the Bible tells us to “watch and pray”. (Matthew.26:41) as the enemy is roaring like a wounded lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1Peter 5:8).

Christ has set us free from every bondage of the enemy. Are you experiencing that freedom in your life? And if you are, are you defending that freedom well? If you feel you are not fully enjoying this freedom, make out quality time today to meditate on today’s text: “Freedom is what we have – Christ has set us free! Stand then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.” Gal.5:1.

Let us stay close to our Saviour, finding strength in prayer, His word and in the Eucharist; as we live out our faith in Jesus, He will strengthen us in our battle against the enemy. And our eternal freedom is assured.

PRAYER: Thank you Jesus, for you have set me from the power of the enemy, I receive this day, grace to remain in this freedom by the Help of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1733: “The more one does good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is true and just. The choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to ‘the slavery of sin’”.

 HIDE A TREASURE: “He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Galatians 4: 22-27, 31-5:1; Psalm 113:1-7; Luke 11:29-32