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Gospel Reflection for Wednesady, April 9, 2025
True Freedom
What does true freedom really mean? It’s certainly not the idea of living without any boundaries, doing “whatever I want.” Those who live this way are, in reality, enslaved by their instincts, desires, and passions. They struggle to guide their lives in a purposeful direction, unable to live with meaning and fidelity.
We live in a world that promotes this flawed version of freedom, encouraging us to constantly satisfy our desires. It creates these cravings, then convinces us it holds the means to fulfill them. In such a world (not just the modern consumer-driven one, but humanity’s “world” across all times), it’s easy to fall prey to idols offering false salvation.
The three holy youths in the fiery furnace from the Book of Daniel are a powerful symbol of true freedom. They refused to bow to idols and resisted the flames of temptation without being consumed. How can we truly overcome these overwhelming temptations and reach authentic freedom? By listening to, welcoming, and abiding in Jesus’ word, becoming His genuine disciples.
It’s important to emphasize the word genuine. In today’s Gospel, we see that even the “Jews who had believed in Him” opposed His teachings to the point of wanting to kill Him. We can call ourselves disciples superficially or officially, even holding roles within the Church, yet only appear as disciples. Deep down, our true interests and motivations might oppose His word. In that case, we reject Christ, extinguishing His presence in our hearts and behaviors—and even in the hearts of other believers through poor example.
To truly love Christ means living out His word, which leads us to love God the Father and our brothers and sisters.
Warm regards,