Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Mark 3:31-35
Living in the Freedom of Christ

After beginning His public ministry, Jesus encountered two distinct reactions. His relatives feared He had lost His senses, while religious authorities accused Him of being under the influence of evil. Yet, Jesus’ mission was driven by the power of the Holy Spirit. It was this Spirit that granted Him divine freedom—the freedom to love and serve without limits or conditions.

Jesus was free from the attachment to wealth. He left the comforts of Nazareth, choosing a life of poverty and uncertainty (Mt 6:25-34). He ministered freely to the sick and needy without asking for anything in return (Mt 10:8). His ministry was marked by pure generosity, an example for all who follow Him.

He was also free from the grip of power. Though He invited many to follow Him, He never coerced anyone. Jesus avoided aligning Himself with the powerful and consistently chose to stand with the marginalized, teaching His disciples to do the same (Lk 22:25-27).

Finally, Jesus was free from the pursuit of fame and approval. He spoke the truth boldly, even when it led to rejection and misunderstanding (Mk 3:21). His unwavering integrity carried Him to the cross, where He remained uncorrupted by fear, influence, or worldly ambitions (Mt 10:28).

This freedom of Jesus challenges us. Are we free, or do wealth, power, and success imprison us? Do we, in our daily lives, bring the fresh air of freedom, sincerity, and love to those around us?

Let us ask the Virgin Mary to guide us in embracing the freedom of God’s children (Rom 8:15,20-23), so we may live and love as Christ taught us—with hearts unbound and filled with divine love.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025