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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider The truth will set you free

The truth will set you free

Published Mar 28, 2023 04:21 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Even when fake news proliferates and falsity seems to become the new normal, the Gospel never fails to challenge us to hold on to the truth so that we may experience the freedom shared by those who remain in Jesus’ word. The acceptance of the truth is often not an easy thing to do, but it is always liberating.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus explains that those who remain in his word are his true disciples who, at the same time, will know the truth and which in turn will set them free.
If we are Jesus’ true followers, our very life will be characterized by truthfulness and freedom. Lies and falsehood have no place in the hearts of Jesus’ true disciples. The fullness of life is experienced only in truth and in freedom.

Gospel • John 8:31-42

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.
I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.”
They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham.
But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!” So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.”
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.” Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).

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