“The truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:32)

“The truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:32)

Today’s Passages: Jn 8:31-36; Jer 31:31-34; 1 Tm 2:1-6;

Meditation: Mother holy church has blessed us, Indians, today with the readings that suit to our great republic day. Let us give thanks and praise to God! Today’s second reading begins with an exhortation of Paul on intercessory prayer: “First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.” (1 Tim 2:1, 2)

This exhortation is being practiced in continuity even today in the universal church. Every day in our liturgy we pray for our leaders that they may be strengthened and guided by truth and justice; that they may be able to lead their people in peace and harmony. Today in a special we pray for our sovereign and secular country and its leaders; for the welfare of the people and integrity of the country; and for all those who have laid their life and toil for the freedom of India.

On the day of the commemoration of the sovereignty of Indian Republic, mother holy church calls upon us to reflect on the real and eternal freedom. Without this real freedom we may not be able to enjoy the political freedom that we have achieved. The political freedom is like physical and external, but the freedom Jesus gifts is internal and everlasting. That is why, even after sixty years of freedom, we are still in darkness of social, religious, and political injustice and inequalities.

In the first reading we hear, “I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God and they shall be my people.” (Jer 31:33) Let all the people surrender themselves to the divine law that they may enjoy real fraternity, peace, and freedom. Jesus has something more to say: “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:31, 32)

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, we pray today for our republic, its people, and its leaders. Give us your Holy Spirit in abundance that we may always stand for its welfare and integrity. Lead each one of us, in every moment of life, from darkness to light, from death to life, and from falsehood to truth.   We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Republic Day!