It is 5th April 2017. We celebrate the memorial of St. Vincent Ferrer, the Priest. He is the patron saint for the builders and for the reconciliation. The readings are from Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25, 28; and the Gospel from John 8:31-42. The first reading teaches us that when we believe in the Truth, no lies can harm us even when we are thrown into a burning furnace. Trusting in the silence of God during the most challenging and painful times of our lives make us free people. “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17,18). Believing in truth and obeying will set us free even when God chooses to be silent. This story illustrates four freedom people cherish in their lives. Freedom of speech, belief, fear and want. From the part of these three young men, we witness an outright refusal to obey a human representative who compels us to believe a lie using his authority. Obedience to God pays us with security, protection and blessings. But obedience to the evil agents brings disaster and division in our lives. We must never fear a human agent who forces us to obey something contrary to our faith and belief. As that of the three young men, who put all their trust in God, even if God would not give what they asked. But on the contrary, God accompanied them and rescued them from the evil hands of the king. When our living gets heated up by the evil, God joins with us and make us to come out unharmed. Nothing can separate us from God’s love if we have the authentic love towards God. As Paul tells to the Romans, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Our freedom is in knowing, loving and living the Words of Jesus and to come out of the slavery and addiction to sin. Our fear and anxiety will weaken our faith in God. We become slaves to our fears and voices of sins within ourselves. May we silence the fears and lies within ourselves by embracing the Truth. Freedom comes by encountering the Truth that sets us free. “If the Son (Jesus) frees us, we are really free (Jn 8:36). John calls Jesus “the Son” when he proclaims that Jesus will free us. May you have a good day. May God bless you.