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Wednesday, April 5, 2006

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St. Vincent Ferrer


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

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"free indeed" (jn 8:36, kjv)

"What do you mean by saying, 'You will be free'?" —John 8:33

This is what Jesus means by saying: "You will be free." When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior on His terms:

  • You are free to "rejoice with inexpressible joy" (1 Pt 1:8), which "no one can take from you" (Jn 16:22).
  • You are free to enter into the throne room of God, drawing near to Him (Heb 12:22-24) with confidence and awe.
  • You are free from the fear of death (Heb 2:15). No threat can manipulate you to renounce God (Dn 3:16-18).
  • You are free from the captivity and slavery of sin (Jn 8:34ff; Col 2:14-15).
  • You are free in the Spirit to worship God with abandon, despite what others think (2 Sm 6:14, 20ff; Jn 12:3-5).
  • You are free to proclaim the truth, for Jesus, the Truth (Jn 14:6), has "set you free" (Jn 8:32).
  • You are set "free in the open" (Ps 18:20) to evangelize (Acts 2:4ff; Jn 4:28-30).
  • You are free from the slavery of trying to please people.

"You have been called to live in freedom — but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh. Out of love, place yourselves at one another's service" (Gal 5:13). "It was for liberty that Christ freed us. So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!" (Gal 5:1)

Prayer:  Jesus, in my freedom, I freely and lovingly give my life to You. I give you the freedom to use me according to Your will.

Promise:  "If you live according to My teaching, you are truly My disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." —Jn 8:31-32

Praise:  St. Vincent freely spent himself spreading the Good News in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Flanders, and England.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 27, 2005

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