Freedom!

Readings for Monday October 11, 2010

First Reading: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32


But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children; break forth and shout, you who were not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the deserted one than of her who has a husband. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman. For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. (Gal. 4:26-5:1)

My favorite movie of all time is "Braveheart." Ever since the first time I saw this movie (and still today), I am so inspired after I watch it. For those of you who have not seen it and are planning on it, a word of caution - the action and violence is not suitable for younger viewers. This movie is based on an actual historical figure, William Wallace, who was a Scottish Patriot who led a revolt against the tyranny of the English king. In the movie, Wallace fought for a higher purpose, for the freedom of his countrymen, and not only did he have to fight against the English, but he had to fight against the greed and the corruption of the Scottish Nobles. Wallace believed so strongly in Freedom, that he gave his life for it.

Throughout human history it seems as though we have been fighting for freedom. America was started under the idea of freedom, slavery was abolished in the name of freedom, tyranny is typically overthrown in the name of freedom. Freedom is something that we all want and desire. Nobody wishes to be bound and under the control of someone or something. Something that we do not think much about is that it is this fight for freedom that we will need to keep up the rest of our lives. Since the fall in the garden we have become slaves to sin and to ourselves. We fight our very nature every moment of every day. It is only through Christ's great sacrifice and through grace that we can overcome our nature. As difficult as it may sound, if we surrender ourselves to Him, then we can find our freedom. If we give up our lives totally to Christ, then we will truly find our lives and ourselves.

Paul talks in great detail to the Galatians about freedom, and how "we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman." (Gal 4:31) Paul reminds us that through the promise of God we have life through Jesus Christ. Let us remember that because of our faith, we no longer have to live in slavery.

Let us pray to the Lord to increase our faith and for His will to be done in our life, so that we too may experience FREEDOM!

Our Father, the Lord of our lives, we give you thanks and praise for all the blessings that you bestow upon us. Lord, please increase our faith so that we can follow you without hesitation and with confidence. Lord, let your will be done in our lives and let us give glory to you in all that we do. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.