One needs to work for real freedom

Gospel Thoughts*

*Third Week : Tuesday*

*Republic Day*

*GOSPEL - John 8: 31- 42*

*First Reading - 1 Tim 2:1-8*

*One needs to work for freedom*

*1) Republic day - A call to reflect about our tree freedom*

Today as we celebrate the Republic day the concept of freedom is very much highlighted in today's Gospel reading. 

At two levels we need to reflect about this freedom.

First as the free citizens of our country. In fact we have this freedom. Let's thank God for the same 

Secondly at the personal level, or at the spiritual level. Am I really free to excercise my freedom at the spiritual level 

*2) Real freedom comes only with the Struggle*

This is the fact of experience. Freedom does not come freely. One has to fight for it and only then one is able to experience the true freedom 

If so even at the spiritual level, in order to experience this freedom we need to fight for it. 

Fight for freedom at the spiritual level is not an easy task. It is very difficult and challenging task. 

*3) Sin is our enemy*

Sin is one of the powerful enemies, which pushes the human beings into the slavery of sin 

Since the influence of sin is very much found in our life, unless one is careful one can't escape from the slavery of sin 

Sin makes us slave and we are not able to do, what we are supposed to do

*4) One needs continuous fight to free oneself from the slavery of Sin*

Fight against the slavery of sin must be continuous. 

It is very difficult to say that we are fully free from the influence of Sin 

Continuous struggle or fight against the slavery of sin will help us to liberate ourselves from the clutches of Sin 

Let's us fight continuously to realise this beautiful inner freedom

*5) Freedom is a very beautiful concept*

Everyone knows what is freedom and everybody loves the real and true freedom 

Freedom makes our life more spontaneous and more productive 

Freedom gives the real identity to the person and dignity to his/her personally

*6) How do I understand the true freedom?*

According to Jesus, true freedom is the freedom where one is free from the influence of sin 

True freedom makes us to create a family atmosphere with deep relationship

True freedom helps us to understand what is the real truth 

Do I understand freedom in the above mentioned thing? What is the real meaning of freedom in my life? 

*7) Without Freedom we are nothing*

Without freedom we lose our self identity. Then we belong nowhere 

Without freedom we can do nothing. We need to surrender to the things which come on our lives. Since we don't have freedom, we can't control these things 

*8) True freedom leads us to the genuine truth*

True inner freedom gives us the special strength and courage. 

Does my freedom leads me to the ultimate truth? 

Does my freedom help me to know what is good and what is bad? 

How far my freedom is effected because of the sins?

Think about it 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*