I no longer call you Slaves

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : Fifth Week -  Friday*

*I no longer call you Slaves - Am I still a slave?*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 15:12-17*

*FIRST READING - Acts 15:22-31*

*1) I no longer call you Slaves*

This is what Jesus says. None of us should be a slave of something, because Jesus has liberated us 

Once upon a time we were slaves, but with Jesus we are not slaves, but we are friends 

So there is a real challenge to all of us to get rid away from the slavery and to live as free brothers and sisters

*2) Who is a slave*

Slave is the one, who does not enjoy any freedom 

Slave has no freedom to choose something or to plan something

Slave has always depend on someone else 

Slave is controlled by an external force or by another powerful person 

Slave has no right to ask for anything

Slave can't decide anything either for himself or for others 

Ill  treatment, suffering, challenges, and humiliation are the part and parcel of Slavery 

*3) The possible slavery one can suffer in life*

The slavery of Sin 

The slavery of greed 

The slavery of pride

The slavery of selfishness

The slavery of revenge

The slavery of anger 

The slavery of authority

The slavery of Money

The slavery of position

The slavery of wealth 

The slavery of falsehood

The slavery of hypocrisy

The slavery of sensual pleasure

The slavery of hatred 

The slavery of jealousy

The slavery of external beauty 

The slavery of laziness

So these are the possible slavery one can experience in life and can still live as a slave  

*4) Various means to abolish the above slavery*

Deep faith in prayer

Personal prayer 

Practice of Gospel values like, forgiveness, service, generosity, love, humility, sincerity, etc 

Living a good life, helping one another in need, care and concern towards the needy may help us to abolish the slavery mentioned above 

*5) We are not chosen to remain as slaves*

The Gospel is clear that Jesus has chosen us and it is not that we have chosen Jesus 

God has chosen us to become his friends so that slavery can be abolished 

Our call is for something greater and for higher things and not to remain in slavery

So it is very important that we need to strive our level best to get rid of the slavery

Freeing our self from the slavery of this world is very important, and that is our purpose 

If so, am I ready to get rid of the slavery of these above things?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*