The Truth Of Freedom

 Reflection on Today's Readings, Saturday of 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, July 17th, 2021
Texts: Ex. 12:37-42; Ps 136:1.23-24.10-15; Mtt. 12:14-21
Toady we see what true freedom means. Freedom is not a liberty to pursue or satisfy one's desires. Freedom is not an avenue to fulfil one's whims and caprices. It is often said that freedom is meant to choose the right and avoid the evil. Freedom could also be seen as an ability to determine oneself, to choose one's destiny, within one's circumstances of life. But for us Christians, what is freedom? Freedom is the liberty to serve the living God; it is to be free from what hinders us from serving the living God. The Hebrews were free to journey to the promised land, where they would serve the living God. Zechariah captured the truth of freedom in his benedictus:  _"This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, that he would grant us, free from fear, to be delivered from the hands of our enemies, to serve him in holiness and uprightness in his presence, all our days"_ (Luke 1: 73-75). With this it is clear that some Christians are free in vain. This is because they are not serving God in holiness and justice.
Some Christians think the freedom in Christ is to amass wealth, it is to get a position of authority, it is to get promotion, it is to get one's needs in life such as good health, education, high social status, heavily paid job, etc. Everyone is influenced by what they think freedom is, leaving behind the truth of freedom.
We are reminded today that the truth of freedom is to serve God in holiness and justice. Those who are truly free are those who are journeying towards God every day, those who are growing in the likeness of Jesus Christ every day. Jesus Christ conquered evil with good. Hence, in today's gospel reading, it is said of Him thus: _"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets; he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smouldering wick, till he brings justice to victory; and in his name will the Gentiles hope.”_  Justice and holiness triumph in Jesus Christ by charity.
Let us serve God in holiness and justice. Our freedom is the sign of God's mercy and love towards us. Today's psalm affirms it thus: _"And he snatched us away from our foes, for his mercy endures for ever"._ He loves us and He hs shown us His mercy, let us live in His love and show mercy to one another.

Lord our God, thank You for the freedom granted us in Christ, Your Son, grant that we may truly live to serve You in holiness and justice. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke