When the Son of Man makes you free, you will be free in deed

Dan. 3:14-20.24-25.28, Jn 8:31-42. In the drama of today's first reading, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego put their trust in God, no matter what might happen. Their reply to the king’s threat was: “If our God can save us, may he save us. But even if he will not, we will not serve your god.” Bravely they accepted the consequences for holding firm to Jewish traditions and put their chances for survival into the hands of God. The cost was clear but they choose integrity over conformity. By a miracle they were saved from the fiery furnace Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed: “Blessed be the God who saves the servants that trust in him.”

Unlike Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were thrown into the furnace, Jesus was not saved from the violent death of Crucifixion. At the centre of the heart and soul of Jesus was unconditional trust and obedience. He came into our world to do the will of the 'One who sent Him'. In today's Gospel, Jesus assures us: “If you live according to my teaching...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” At this crucial moment of the pandemic, we experience our version of the “fiery furnace”. If we can hold firm, we shall never be consumed. Jesus promised that “the truth will make you free;” and linked this promise to His own person: “I am the truth.” Along with truth, He promises us freedom, when He says: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” What He offers is what Paul calls “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” This true freedom subsists in our ability to know and live in what is right, noble and good and not in fear. Fear can only make us deny the truth that will set us free. To leave an honourable life, we must go in search of the truth and not be enslaved by fear created by propaganda of the society. Only Jesus can offer such true freedom - freedom from fear, selfishness, prejudice and self-righteousness. We must approach the source of this divine truth and be free in deed.

May the Lord strengthen us during this period, so that we can live by the light of God’s truth and together fight against this dreaded virus! Amen!! Be safe and have a stress free day!!!