Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.
A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains.
So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free. (John 8:34-36 NABRE)
We who live in the land of the free recoil at the idea of slavery. Our troubled history confronts us even today as we continue to struggle with equality among our citizens. It is clear that none of us considers himself or herself a slave, but Jesus' words from today's passage, it seems to me, are aimed at each one of us.
If as he says, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin, we should acknowledge our portion of that burden. And somehow, when we do, things shift. When we do, it prepares our hearts for the freedom Jesus provides. When we look to him for help in this life and a place with him in the next, it prepares us even more to reach out to others, opening us to offer help however it is needed.
Today, I will be mindful of the source of true freedom and the responsibility it puts on me.
Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, who saw all your life's works meet with disaster due to religious and political tensions, and who therefore reminds us even today that followers of the crucified Jesus should see only new possibilities opening up whenever we meet failure, pray for us.
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