Good morning good people. May the Lord give you peace and blessing in the Holy Spirit. It is 11th August 2025. We celebrate the memorial of St Clare; the founder of the Poor Clares taught us “We become what we love… If we love God, we will live in His freedom.”
We reflect on Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20; and the Gospel of Matthew 17:22-27.
Are we free to do anything?
To be free is to be responsible for all we do and how we behave.
When our destination is clear, the distance and disturbances along the way do not matter much.
The greater the motive, the broader the motivation.
As responsible citizens of the world, of Heaven, and of the Church, we must examine ourselves honestly: Do we faithfully give what is due—our tax, our tithe, or our contributions to the community, the government, and the Church to which we belong? We could have endless discussions about whether we should give, or why we should give—but the real question is whether our hearts are willing to give.
Freedom is a gift from God to all humanity. Yet, while we are free to act, this freedom is not a license to do whatever pleases us or benefits us alone. True freedom embraces the welfare of the community and those around us. Authentic freedom is found in obeying God and serving humanity without expecting anything in return.
“Freedom in absolute independence from God is a lie. It is a lie that enslaves man to sin and to his own passions.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi n. 2)
The focus of Jesus was His glorification on the Cross—His perfect obedience to the Father. Each day, countless events and impressions pass before us. Yet, deep within, our hearts are drawn toward what truly lasts and matters. Too often, however, we become distracted by trivial words, petty behaviours, and fleeting events. What matters most is to listen to the silence and the gentle stirrings of the heart, rather than being led by the loud and violent voices of the mind and spirit.
Whatever rights and privileges we have—whether inherited or earned—we must be like Jesus and Peter, responsible in offering what is due to the community and the country in which we live. Let us never sacrifice the welfare of the group and society for the sake of individual preference.
May the rope of hope be woven strong, with threads of prayer, charity, love, and forgiveness, so that we may exercise our freedom without harming the countless possibilities that belong to others.
May God bless you.