The Gospel
John 8: 31‑42
You shall know the truth and the Truth shall set you free.
If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
St. Gaspar
"Let us place our trust in the Divine Blood that the Lord will manifest justice and truth, as the cause continues to pend. Let us strengthen all of this, using the intercession of Mary most holy and of Xavier." [1]
With respect to what you wrote me, do not at all be fearful. Imitate the Saints as they defend the truth. The things that are being said there, let it be noted once and for all, are not from God. I forgive our opponents because of their good intentions, but I shall never approve what they say nor the way that they do things. ... So, we are right back at the beginning again: everything changes. ... Peace and tranquility everywhere. ... Do not lose your enthusiasm and be happy. ... Make this decision at the foot of the Crucifix. [2]
"This is the language of truth, and it is well-known fact that hell itself trembles at the very mention of "divine Blood". Furthermore, because of this confusion of mind, one is led to erroneously judge the good people who then disturb the peace of Your Holiness" magnanimous heart. [3]
Reflection
Do you live in a free country? Are people free from fear, desire, want, pressure, addiction, sin, error, falsehood, death, etc? Jesus offers more than ideas and opinions. The truth he brings is also freedom, faithfulness and relationship. A Son and an heir knows a freedom a slave can never realize. Jesus is that Son who is the only way to freedom.
In the time of Jesus there were cultural expectations for a son, especially elder sons. As a father greeted guests for a banquet, the elder son stood at his side barefoot. In this he was a gift from the father to the guests, the father offering his finest as servant of welcome and hospitality. The elder son in the prodigal son parable in Luke did not follow the norm. Neither did the people who listen to Jesus in today's gospel in John.
All of us, sons and daughters alike, are invited to be that son and heir as well. In this we spend time with him, we listen to his word, and we do what he does. This is what Gaspar describes in every tribulation. It simply matters not what the opposition might be. The same freedom, faithfulness and relationship with the father remains, and we remain peaceful in him. The truth sets us free.
[1] to Luigi Fuschi, June 8, 1837, Letter 3441, Strokes of the Pen V, pg 13
[2] to Missionary Father Michele Palombi, January 30, 1836, Letter 3068 , Strokes of the Pen V, pg 35
[3] from Letter 1215 to Pope Leo XII, July 29, 1825, Resources 8, pg 40)
John 8: 31‑42
You shall know the truth and the Truth shall set you free.
If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
St. Gaspar
"Let us place our trust in the Divine Blood that the Lord will manifest justice and truth, as the cause continues to pend. Let us strengthen all of this, using the intercession of Mary most holy and of Xavier." [1]
With respect to what you wrote me, do not at all be fearful. Imitate the Saints as they defend the truth. The things that are being said there, let it be noted once and for all, are not from God. I forgive our opponents because of their good intentions, but I shall never approve what they say nor the way that they do things. ... So, we are right back at the beginning again: everything changes. ... Peace and tranquility everywhere. ... Do not lose your enthusiasm and be happy. ... Make this decision at the foot of the Crucifix. [2]
"This is the language of truth, and it is well-known fact that hell itself trembles at the very mention of "divine Blood". Furthermore, because of this confusion of mind, one is led to erroneously judge the good people who then disturb the peace of Your Holiness" magnanimous heart. [3]
Reflection
Do you live in a free country? Are people free from fear, desire, want, pressure, addiction, sin, error, falsehood, death, etc? Jesus offers more than ideas and opinions. The truth he brings is also freedom, faithfulness and relationship. A Son and an heir knows a freedom a slave can never realize. Jesus is that Son who is the only way to freedom.
In the time of Jesus there were cultural expectations for a son, especially elder sons. As a father greeted guests for a banquet, the elder son stood at his side barefoot. In this he was a gift from the father to the guests, the father offering his finest as servant of welcome and hospitality. The elder son in the prodigal son parable in Luke did not follow the norm. Neither did the people who listen to Jesus in today's gospel in John.
All of us, sons and daughters alike, are invited to be that son and heir as well. In this we spend time with him, we listen to his word, and we do what he does. This is what Gaspar describes in every tribulation. It simply matters not what the opposition might be. The same freedom, faithfulness and relationship with the father remains, and we remain peaceful in him. The truth sets us free.
- What disturbs my peace?
- How would I describe freedom?
- What are the norms for a son (or a daughter) now?
[1] to Luigi Fuschi, June 8, 1837, Letter 3441, Strokes of the Pen V, pg 13
[2] to Missionary Father Michele Palombi, January 30, 1836, Letter 3068 , Strokes of the Pen V, pg 35
[3] from Letter 1215 to Pope Leo XII, July 29, 1825, Resources 8, pg 40)
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