Freedom

"If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then com, follow me."

In today's Gospel, we hear these words, and like the young man that Jesus said these words to, we are sad as we have many possessions.  However, there are many ways that we can follow this message and be closer to "perfection."  How often do we find ourselves, watching television when we could be praying the rosary?  How many times would we rather read a novel than scripture?  If we just take some of that time and give up what we want for what brings us closer to Christ, is that not following this teaching?

I have found that many a day I will catch myself falling slave to these earthly things and they take hold of my life.  While this brings happiness on the surface, it ultimately causes misery.  When I step back and listen to God's message, I understand further the reality that being a servant of the Lord brings us true freedom.  This freedom is the freedom from the misery that the devil wishes upon us through his efforts to convince us to partake in earthly pleasures.

Sometimes we let these things draw us in so far, it seems hopeless to break the cycle.  These are the times that our faith is most important.  Put your faith in the Lord and he will carry you through.  Take that one step toward Him, and He will take the other 999.