Post-feast of the Exaltation of the Cross; Holy Great-Martyr Nicetas (374)
Galatians 5:11-21; Mark 7:5-16
Read Galatians 5:11-21
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – 5:13
“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” – St. Pope John Paul II
Growing up, it was common for kids to reply, “It’s a free country. I can do what I want” when told to stop a particular action or turn their attention to a different matter. Our world today has this very self-centred, narrow view of freedom. Freedom consists in being able to do what we want, when we want it, and sometimes, with whomever we want. Freedom for some has become a license to act according to each and every desire that manifests itself in us.
St. Paul rightly points out that the Passion and Resurrection of Christ were not accomplished in order that we might simply fulfil all our earthly desires and passions. Speaking against the flesh, by which he means all things that are evil, St. Paul points us to the good, the beautiful, and the true. Christ rose from the dead and granted us eternal life so that we might serve God and one another in love. This is true freedom: to no longer be subservient to each and every earthly desire but to fulfil everything that we ought to do in serving God and one another.