Breathing Free

April 6, Wednesday, 5th Week of Lent
Daniel 3:14-20,91-92,95, Gospel John 8:31-42

Often, we hear that the truth sets us free. But what is the truth? What sets us free?

The readings give us a more precise answer to what sets us free. In the first reading, the threats and punishment did not shake Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They stood firm in their faith that God would deliver them, even from great danger.

The gospel, likewise, speaks of the only way to be free: true faith in the father. It speaks of sin, which is not doing the will of the Father, as that which enslaves us.

Being slaves to sin imprisons us. We fail to do the father's will when we do not honestly believe that he is our father. Our faith moves us to love. When we truly love, we are set free from the claws of sin because we only have one desire—to do the will of God.
What enslaves you? What imprisons you in the ugly claws of sin?

Our sense of freedom enslaves us. When we stop truly believing in God, we lose our true meaning of freedom. When our faith becomes self-serving, choosing only to believe and do what is convenient, what fits our choices and preferences, this is not truly believing. When that happens, we give in to the pressures around us, and we compromise.

For instance, how often have we compromised to protect our interests in our workplaces? In the way we do business, how often have we closed our eyes to the demands of our faith in the name of profit? How often have we set aside our faith to cover up for a friend or to be accepted in our relationships?

Our readings remind us to stand our ground on faith if we are to be truly free. May we maintain our faith that He will deliver us and truly set us free if we believe in God and do His will even when things are difficult. Amen.