Freedom!!!

Freedom is a beautiful gift!!! We hear about it a lot when we talk about the country in which we live, "the land of the free and the home of the brave." Of course, that freedom has been under attack, especially when it comes to religious freedom or liberty. Religious liberty is what led people to travel to the United States and it is what our country is built upon. There are leaders who are trying to tear that liberty down and we cannot stand for it. The Bishops of the United States and other religious organizations have been firm in defending religious liberty and we cannot let our guard down. Our resolve needs to remain firm and we need to build our efforts on the rock of Jesus Christ, who is the cornerstone. That leads to where I was heading with the title of freedom. Take the time today to read the Gospel of John, 8:31-42. Jesus says to the Jews in our gospel and to us today, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Jesus Christ is definitely the Way, the Truth, and the Life. All who believe in him will have eternal life. When we listen to the passion narratives during Holy Week we will listen to Jesus say that the reason that he came is to defend the truth. Also in the gospel, Jesus talks about being free from our sinfulness. When we turn away from sin and turn back to God we will truly be free. As Catholics, we experience that freedom in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We are hearing a lot about freedom in our present day and it is a gift that we have received. Let us not miss the opportunities to stand up for freedom and to experience the freedom that comes from God's great love and mercy! Have a blessed day!!!