Daily Retreat 07/01/07
2007 Jul 1 SUN: THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
1 Kgs 19: 16b. 19-21/ Ps 15(16): 1-2. 5. 7-8. 9-10. 11/ Gal 5: 1. 13-18/ Lk 9: 51-62
From today’s readings: “Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.... You are my inheritance, O Lord.... For freedom Christ set us free.... No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Let Freedom Ring!
Since this Wednesday is the American Independence day, Paul’s words about freedom probably ring the loudest bell this weekend. They echo the same insight proclaimed by Christ when He pointed out, “Every one who commits sin is a slave to sin.... If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34.36).
But what is the freedom for? Paul answers, “Do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love!” In other words, our God-given freedom is not given just so we can do whatever we want; rather, true freedom is given so that we are able to do what we ought! Those who use their freedom to make sinful choices, end up throwing away their freedom by submitting again to the yoke of the slavery of sin.
Freedom always implies responsibility. Those who refuse to live up to their concomitant responsibilities end up with proportionate limits on their freedom (such as those who are placed in prison). We must always remember this principle as we commit ourselves to responsibly using well the freedom God has graciously granted to us, the freedoms of our country, and our personal freedom as His beloved children.
1 Kgs 19: 16b. 19-21/ Ps 15(16): 1-2. 5. 7-8. 9-10. 11/ Gal 5: 1. 13-18/ Lk 9: 51-62
From today’s readings: “Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.... You are my inheritance, O Lord.... For freedom Christ set us free.... No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Let Freedom Ring!
Since this Wednesday is the American Independence day, Paul’s words about freedom probably ring the loudest bell this weekend. They echo the same insight proclaimed by Christ when He pointed out, “Every one who commits sin is a slave to sin.... If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34.36).
But what is the freedom for? Paul answers, “Do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love!” In other words, our God-given freedom is not given just so we can do whatever we want; rather, true freedom is given so that we are able to do what we ought! Those who use their freedom to make sinful choices, end up throwing away their freedom by submitting again to the yoke of the slavery of sin.
Freedom always implies responsibility. Those who refuse to live up to their concomitant responsibilities end up with proportionate limits on their freedom (such as those who are placed in prison). We must always remember this principle as we commit ourselves to responsibly using well the freedom God has graciously granted to us, the freedoms of our country, and our personal freedom as His beloved children.
posted by FrPitstick | 6/30/2007
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