Ordinary Time

Pause

Freedom is a noun.

Freedom means being exempt from external control.

Christ preached freedom, lived freedom, and offered freedom to all.

We have the opportunity to live into the freedom of Jesus Christ and also the responsibility to work toward ensuring others may live into their God-given freedom. Let the Spirit move in, around, and through you today, that you might live freely in Christ our Lord.

Listen

I will bless the Lord who advises me; even at night I am instructed in the depths of my mind.

I always put the Lord in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.

That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety because you won’t abandon my life to the grave; you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit.

Psalm 16:7-10

Think

I grew up in South Carolina where we took state history in both third and eight grades. In third grade we learned basics: flags, birds, etc., while in eighth grade we learned about wars, laws, and the like. I found it fun to research old state laws, which made sense at the time they were written, but seem silly now. One of my favorites was not parading an elephant down Main Street. Another: a motorized vehicle must have a lead lantern bearer to warn others it is approaching. Maybe that’s how we ended up with car headlights?

The freedom of the Lord is a life being guided by someone other than ourselves. Christ’s Spirit offers us an alternative director and guide, and we praise the Lord for the advice and guidance provided. God’s Word, love, earthly ministry, and Holy Spirit guide our lives, granting us freedom to be who we’re created to be. Like the psalmist says, even when we sleep, we have the guidance of the Lord and the freedom from a life caught up in our own selves.

Katie Barrett Todd

Pray

God of Direction, thank you for leading me, even when I’m unawake or unaware. My heart is freer and lighter when you are my guide. I’ll do my best to follow you faithfully. Amen.

Go

South African freedom hero Nelson Mandela said: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Freedom requires us to live so that all may be free. Christ’s freedom is not for one person, but for every person.

Go today into the world and fight for the freedom of another.

Go today to let the world taste the unending love of Christ through loving your neighbor.

And go today letting the Spirit change your motivations. Live free, and fight for freedom.