Slavery to Freedom

Mass Readings: March 12

First:	Daniel 3:14-20,91-92,95
Resp:	Daniel 3:52-56
Gospel:	John 8:31-42

John 8:33 They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, 'You will become free'?"

How sad this is. They are just plain wrong on so many levels. First, they obviously were slaves to Egypt. Israel's sacred history is centered around Moses and the Exodus. Next, of course, they are slaves to popular opinion as demonstrated by the crowd when they yelled "crucify him".
The truth here is they fail to see, or are unwilling to see the truth of their own weakness. How can we see Christ if we can't see our own weakness? Inside we know that we are weak, that is why we get so angry when others do not play along with our charade. It is an act of defense of our egos that demands others see our lies. Yes, they were slaves as we are today if we are apart from Christ.

Father, help me, by your Holy Spirit, to see that I am a slave to sin and I am helpless in this world apart from you. Help me to more full realize what Christ has done for me and to know that he alone can set me free.

Amen