LENTEN REFLECTION: Golden Statues

Today's Readings:
First Reading: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95   Responsorial Psalm: Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56  Gospel: John 8:31-42

Reflection: 

Today’s readings are very timely, especially in such a busy and fast-paced world. We live in an era where technology has made almost everything accessible with a click of a button, and one would think that our lives have become more comfortable and easier.

Yet, we still complain that we are too busy or too tired. Many of us are consumed with our work, with our ambitions, with our fascination of material things. We have become enslaved by the very inventions and innovations that are supposed to make our lives easier. Like in the First Reading, these things have become our “golden statues”.

As what happened in the Gospel, I can oftentimes associate myself with the Jews. A part of me wants to follow Jesus and attain the freedom He has promised; and yet, a part of me is also bound by my own earthly and selfish desires. But it does not have to be that way. I have realized that I am only a slave to sin when I let it dictate how I live my life.

Time and time again, we have always been told by Jesus that God is more powerful than evil, than our own weaknesses. This is the ultimate truth. The message of today’s readings presents to us a beautiful irony: by offering ourselves to God and submitting to His will, we are ultimately freed from the slavery brought about by sin.

To continue with our reflection, let us ask ourselves: What is keeping me from giving God my undivided love and faithfulness? What are things and bad habits that I must give up in order to fully experience the freedom Christ has promised to us?

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Ma. Hortense Elaiza P. Varela is a senior student at the Ateneo Law School.