The meaning of True Freedom

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Assumption of Our Blessed Mother and Independence Day*

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:39-58*

*First Reading : Rev 12:1-6a, 10ab*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 45: 10, 11, 12, 16*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 15:20-27*

*The meaning of True Freedom*

*1) Dual Celebration*

Today we have two important celebrations 

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven - Body and Soul 

The independence day of our Country 

Both these feasts highlights the importance of true freedom in our life 

*2) Freedom of Mind*

True freedom consists in freedom of mind. Mary had this freedom

This freedom helps us to know the difference between what is right and what is wrong 

With the Freedom of mind one is able to judge the situation and the events in a right way 

Freedom of mind always helps the person to think in a right way and to choose the right things 

As we celebrate this feast let our minds be free from ignorance, false teaching, fasle thinking, biased opinions and destructive ideologies 

*3) Freedom of Heart*

Unless the heart is free from evil things one can't enjoy true freedom and liberation 

At times heart becomes the dustbi of all unwanted things which makes the heart to lose the freedom 

Jesus says *those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.* Mt 15:17

Unless one frees the heart from evil things one can't enjoy the real freedom 

As we celebrate the great feast of freedom, let us try our level best to free our hearts from, jealousy, greed, evil habits, anger, pride etc 

*4) Freedom of Soul*

The bondage of the Soul is one of the main aspects which is spoken in every religion and in every scripture 

All our good deeds are focused on freeing ones soul from the bondage of sin 

Only a liberated soul is able to experience the Love, Mercy, holiness, and blessings of the Almighty 

Mary was and is an example for the freedom of the Soul 

Her magnificat shows the her soul was a liberated soul which experienced Gods love and mercy 

As we celebrate this feast let us free our soul from the bondage of sin, evil things and from the cravings of this material world 

*5) Benefits of True Freedom*

One is able to experience God 

One is able to know the will of God 

One is able to choose the right thing

One is able to make right judgement 

One is able to carry out the good acts 

One is able to reach out others in every situation

One is able to think about common good 

One is able to motivate and inspire others 

One is able to sacrifice his/her life for others 

One is able to love his/her enemies

*6) Internal freedom and External Freedom*

External freedom is freedom from external forces which curtail our movements. This is the freedom we got on August 15, 1947. Even today we enjoy this freedom 

Internal freedom is more important. It is a freedom of heart, mind, and soul. 

Such a freedom makes our life meaningful 

No one can give us this freedom unless we work ourselves with the grace of God. 

We should strive to have such a authentic freedom, which helps us to liberate ourselves from all bondages 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*