Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95, Daniel 3:52-56, John 8:31-42
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/032410.shtml
"FREE AT LAST"
"The truth will set you free." —John 8:32
To begin the process of becoming free, we must first believe in Jesus (see
Jn 8:30). Our belief must be so deep that we obediently live according to
the Lord's teaching (Jn 8:31). Furthermore, our obedience should be so
complete that we truly become Jesus' disciples (Jn 8:31), that is, we obey
Jesus to the point of denying our very selves and taking up the cross each
day (Lk 9:23). Finally, true disciples of Jesus have true, committed,
loyal, faithful relationships with Him, the Father, the Spirit, the
Church, our family members, our leaders, etc. In these true relationships,
we eventually find true freedom (Jn 8:32).
Freedom is not independence, but dependence on God and interdependence on
others. Freedom is not selfishly doing our own thing, but unselfishly
doing God's thing. Freedom is not giving "free rein to the flesh" (Gal
5:13). The worldly life of the flesh is nothing but thinly disguised
slavery. True freedom is not being a slave to our human desires but a
slave to Jesus (see Rm 6:16). There is no such thing as total freedom.
When we choose one thing, we automatically are not free to do other
things. However, there is maximum freedom. This is not attained by
believing the lies of the world, but by believing in Jesus, the Truth (see
Jn 14:6). No one is born free, but all can be born again free. Be free
from sin, selfish independence, and manipulation by carnal desires. Be
freed by and in Jesus.
Prayer: Father, this Lent may I take a giant step forward to freedom.
Promise: "They disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather
than serve or worship any god except their own God." —Dn 3:95
Praise: Set free by Jesus from drug addiction, James witnesses to all
about the grace of the Savior.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "The Truth Will Set You Free".)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 26, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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