FREEDOM IN TRUTH

Reflection for Wednesday of the 5^th Sunday of Lent

(Dan 3:14-20,24-25,28; Jn 8:31-42)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the idol set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. They remained true to their faith in God despite death threats by the King. Their faith was exemplary. And God sent His Angel to deliver them from the fiery furnace.

Faith in God liberates! “Stand up and go your way. Your faith has saved you” (Lk 17:19). But such faith that brings freedom must be true, which equally implies that it must be consistent even in the face of difficulties or opposition. “God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth” (Jn 4:24). True faith in God does not place the self or human need first; it is inspired by love of God, which has been poured into our hearts through Jesus Christ (cf. Rm 5:5).

“Christ set us free, so that we should remain free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be fastened again to the yoke of slavery” (Gal 5:1). Now, the faith that saves finds its concrete expression as authentic relationship in Christ Jesus. So we follow Him as the Way, and live out His life as the Truth (cf. Jn 14:6). In Jesus we have truth and freedom. But how can we to acquire them?

Jesus said in the Gospel of today, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Jn 8:31). Anyone who lives by the Word of God follows Jesus as His disciple. And he enjoys freedom. Sin enslaves! Dishonesty has locked many people in all kinds of bondage. The immediate effect of this, is inconsistency in thought, words, action and behaviour. Thus, ‘restlessness’ bespeaks of certain underlying dishonesty. “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (Jn 8:34-36).

Let us be true to Jesus Christ today, and enjoy His freedom.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi, Lagos.

Wednesday April 10^th, 2019.