For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm
and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.
Saint Paul's bold statement about freedom -- the last sentence in today's first reading -- bears repeating. And it will be repeated tomorrow as the first sentence.
Many people fear making any major decision like buying a home or car, accepting a job, pursuing a career, or getting married, because it might limit their freedom.
They must discover that they will become free when they make their decision; and are not free until they do! The decision to have a child opens to the enormous freedom, responsibility, and privilege of parenthood. Through a wedding ceremony a couple enters the delight of knowing and being known intimately, and love intensely, by another person. In the married state men and women can reveal their fears, complicated past, and personal misgivings to one another; and they can ask their partners to be patient with them as they make hard decisions about their attitudes. Only their decision to get married and make every sacrifice that marriage demands of them can permit them the "freedom of the children of God."
Through the sacraments of the Church, especially baptism, marriage, and orders, become "slaves of God" like all the Lord's people. Despite the stigma that hangs over the word slave, the Divine Authors of the New Testament and many saints and martyrs never hesitated to use the slave or servant. It doesn't sound like freedom or authority until we realize Whom we owns us, and Whom we serve. "It is the Lord!" as Saint John with such excitement when he saw Him walking the shore of the Sea of Tiberias.
He is the Master whom Mary Magdelene sought and found by the tomb. (John 20:11-18)
