Word to the Wise
Thursday, October 26, 2017 - Thursday in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
[Rom 6:19-23 and Luke 12:49-53]For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. But what profit did you get then from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification, and its end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans]
It would be understandable if the word "slave" might keep one from giving St. Paul's words sufficient attention. But I have heard over and over again the sad but inspiring stories of persons who became "enslaved" in different ways, whether to an addiction (drugs, gambling, sex/porn, alcohol) or to the dominance of a lifestyle or relationship or other ways. When they seek help and break free of the enslavement, they are like new persons, even if they have to be vigilant for the rest of their lives so as not to be enslaved once more.
St. Paul is offering a "spiritual way forward." It is not just one particular enslavement that he attacks, but a whole attitude of life that makes empty promises of happiness that are basically a dead end. The word "slave" describes well the depth of the evil that can destroy a person physically, emotionally and spiritually. To become a "slave" of God is not to give up the freedom that God has given to us, but rather to cast off the chains that we can surround ourselves with and weigh us down. Those who participate in 12-step programs know the term "higher power" and the necessity to put one's trust in that power. For us who are Christian, that higher power is Christ and the life he offers. This is not slavery,but the power of love. AMEN