
FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY
Key verse: Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us
free, do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1
What is freedom? It is the spontaneous urge to do the right things at the right
time and the ability to do so – not how our own ego tempts us to do. While
acts of evil entangle us in its will and make us slaves, letting divine love flow
through us will make us happy and satisfying. Jesus said, “Truth shall make
you free.” The truth is that we are created by God for us to do good for God;
always treating others, without any distinction, as our brothers and sisters,
thereby striving for a perfect world that God loves and abides in.
This Truth became flesh in human form in Jesus Christ: so, it is Jesus who sets
us free. He offers this freedom through His Cross, and He paid the ransom
price fully with His life, thereby facilitating us to enjoy and exercise this
freedom. But freedom to do what?
Gal 2: 19, 20 says, “I am crucified with Christ. It is no more I that live; Christ
lives in me. The life that I now live is by faith…” We should be servants not by
compulsion, but by our spontaneous response to the love shed forth on
Calvary. Because of our service to the Lord, we are servants of others – in all
spheres of activity – giving our best.
This should be our goal on a national level. Gandhiji said, “I want the freedom
of my country so that other countries may learn something from my free
country, so that the resources of my country may be utilized for the benefit
of mankind.” Thus, as individuals, families, and communities, our role is to
truly offer ourselves at the foot of the Cross, to die for others. “Were the
whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small.” God first,
others second, and I last is true freedom with responsibility!
With love and prayers,
Rev. Shaji Kochummen
shajikp2000@rediffmail.com
FROM THE VICAR’S DESK