FREE AT LAST?
“It was for liberty that Christ freed us. So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time.”–Galatians 5:1
It was for liberty from sin that Christ set us free (Gal 5:1). Once we are set free from sin through Baptism, conversion, and the sacrament of Confession, we become a target for the devil and his kingdom of darkness. Satan and his demons constantly appeal to our old human nature that was drowned in the waters of Baptism. That human nature, inherited through original sin, is constantly seeking selfish pleasures. Scripture demonstrates that it was easier for God to physically get Israel out of Egypt than it was to get Egypt out of the hearts of the Israelites. In the desert, out of Egypt, the Israelites kept longing for the “benefits” of slavery, such as tasty food and meat (Ex 16:2-3).
Thus, St. Paul commands us to not return to the slavery of sin and a pleasure-seeking lifestyle (Gal 5:1). Scripture teaches that the worst state possible for a human being is to believe in Christ, but then to turn our backs on Him to return to a life of sin (Lk 11:24-26; 2 Pt 2:19-20). Therefore, “forget not all His benefits” (Ps 103:2), particularly the freedom from the slavery of sin. Beg Jesus for the grace to desire to remain in His love (Jn 15:9).
PRAYER: Jesus, nail me to the cross with You, so that I may never leave You for earthly pleasures or to avoid suffering.
PROMISE: “He raises up the lowly from the dust.” –Ps 113:7
PRAISE: Fred is never embarrassed to tell his coworkers that he follows Jesus and he notices that they respect him for it.
