Lord, I want to be free!

Readings: 1^st: Dan 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Ps: Dan 3:52-56; Gos: Jn 8:31-42

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com 

Today’s gospel is a continuation of the conversation Jesus had with the Jews in yesterday’s gospel. It treats the theme of the relationship of Jesus and Abraham. Today, Jesus places himself within the whole history of the People of God.

Jesus points out to the Jews that, even if they regard Abraham as their spiritual father, they do not have his spirit. They could not comprehend what Christ means that he had been sent by the Father. Hence, the gospel helps us to understand the difference that existed between Jesus and the Jews. Equally, it also highlights the fact that, we are all children of Abraham.

Also, today, Christ reminds us that liberty comes through fidelity to the word of God: “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.”

To be a disciple of Jesus is the same as opening oneself to God. So, the words of Jesus are God’s words. They communicate the truth, because they reveal things as they are in the eyes of God, and not in the eyes of men.

As we come towards the end of this Lenten season, and look forward to the Paschal feast, Christ our Saviour wants to lead us into truth, so that we may be free. So, if we truly desire freedom, we need to be ready to accept the truth.

Hence, our prayer today should be: Lord, I want to be free. Help me listen to your words which tries to reach into my heart and liberate me. Help me listen to those who tell me the truth about myself. Peace be with you all!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!