YOU ARE NOT A SLAVE BUT A FREE BORN!

⏰Monday of the Twenty-Eighth Week of Ordinary Time 2 (15 October 2018 – Memorial of St. Theresa of Avila)

📖Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31 – 5:1; Ps 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a and 6-7 (R.v.2); Luke 11:29-32

Do you really believe that Christ has set you free from all kinds of slavery and oppression? Do you believe that no power on earth is greater than his power (19:11) and that all power belongs to him (Matt 28:18)? Why then are you still worried on how to overcome little challenges that you face?

At the beginning of this working week, St Paul encourages us once more, through his letter to the Galatians, not to allow ourselves be burdened under any yoke of slavery (Gal 5:1) because whoever the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36). No longer shall any power triumph over you because you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:37-39).

But remember that true freedom comes from your knowledge of the truth (John 8:32). Jesus himself is the truth (John 14:6). Do you believe in him wholeheartedly or do you also need a sign like the Jews (Luke 11:29-32)?

Are you among those running from one mushroom Church to another looking for signs and wonders? Do you visit native doctors or join secret cults in search of breakthrough and protection?

Oh! That is a degradation of your status! You are a child of God, born to be a victor and not a victim, a conqueror and not the conquered. Reclaim your status today and see how good the Lord is (Psalm 34:8).

St. Theresa of Avila, whose memorial we celebrate today, would not yield to identity crises. Her desire to remain authentic to her vocation was what led to the reformation of the Carmelite Order against worldly infiltration. In that way, she achieved the desired sanity and peace.

May God direct your steps this week and beyond so that you may indeed succeed in anything you place your hand on and in the end gain peace. Amen.

Have a smooth working week. Peace be with you.