Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
John 8:31-42
Faith & Freedom
The readings of the day speak about the steadfastness in faith and its effects.
We see Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon had built a golden statue and ordered all of his subjects in his kingdom to bow down in adoration and show their loyalty. However three young officials in his court who are of jewish origin refuse to comply. This has enraged the King. they would rather accept death than bow down in adoration to a statue of babylonian god.
One thing stands out in their disposition is, either God will save or they will happily accept death, having steadfast faith to the end of their lives. There is no turning back nor compromising when it comes to faith.
Effect: Though they were thrown into the furnace, God protected them by sending his Angel. Thus they were uninjured, unscathed by fire happily singing the praises of God. even the king admires their God and their unflinching faith in him.
Gospel
In the Gospel of the day Jesus makes a beautiful statement "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
That is to experience freedom, a fundamental requirement is to have an honest relationship with the Truth, and this Truth is and is contained entirely in his Word. so being aware of Christ’s words, message and understanding is a way to Truth and Freedom.
In addition, It Also, serves us with a warning that what we would consider as freedom, our illusory freedom which is superficial and one-sided freedom that fails to see the Truth about God, Man and World.
The Jews said that they have not been slaves but history speaks the opposite. We all are in slavery of our falsity (false freedom) and sins. There are today many of us objecting to the message of Christ as some feel it is against one’s freedom and is suffocating them but when we reflect and understand they are led by false promises of freedom of life. Following Christ does not mean we are sacrificing freedom but gaining Truth of life and thereby Freedom to have a noble and honourable life.
St. Thomas Aquinas reflecting on these words states in the following way:
First, the truth of his teaching will free us from the error of untruth;
Second, the truth of grace will liberate us from the slavery of sin: ‘the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death’ (Rom 8:2);
Third, the truth of eternity in Christ Jesus will free us from decay.
We can understand by this if our faith is strong and profound like this can save us from the impending dangers, and it also can move others to experience the presence of God through our life witness.
Also, faith in his words, the Truth can set us free because it shows us the right path to walk on and avoid the illusory path (which does not exist)
Therefore let us be steadfast in faith (necessarily on his words) and experience True freedom.
For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
Faith is the realisation of what is hoped for and evidence* of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Fr. Jayaraju Manthena OCD
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