a free lent
"That is why, if the Son frees you, you will really be free." —John 8:36
Jesus is the only Way to true freedom. Thus, we would expect large numbers of Christians to be free in comparison to non-Christians. However, Christians often aren't clearly recognized as being the world's most free people. Some reasons for this are:
- Non-Christians unknowingly receive some help from Jesus to be free.
- Many people don't recognize true freedom. Therefore, they don't see the many free Christians or the deception the world passes off as freedom.
- Many Christians lose their freedom by falling into sin (see Jn 8:34).
When we sin and lose our freedom in Christ, we obscure the truth of divine revelation and the freeing power of God. Our lack of freedom not only prevents us from witnessing for Jesus, but also diminishes the witness of others. Satan publicizes the fact that many Christians are bound in sin and uses them as obstacles for those who might otherwise come to Christ.
Therefore, let us repent of sin and of returning to slavery a second time (Gal 5:1). May we be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and stand in the midst of the fire in uncompromising, bold, and courageous freedom (Dn 3:18, 24). As Christians, let us live in the perpetual jubilee year of liberation proclaimed by Jesus (Lk 4:18-19).
Prayer: Father, set free any Christians trapped in alcohol, pornography, overeating, gambling, masturbation, TV addiction, compulsive shopping, phobias, anxieties, depression, and all other traps of the evil one.
Promise: "If you live according to My teaching, you are truly My disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." —Jn 8:31-32
Praise: Pope St. Martin suffered great tortures for his efforts to liberate the Church from untruths and misbeliefs.
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, XXX 11, 2011
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