Daily Gospel Reflection
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April 9, 2025
Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him,
“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham
and have never been enslaved to anyone.
How can you say, ‘You will become free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.
A slave does not remain in a household forever,
but a son always remains.
So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.
I know that you are descendants of Abraham.
But you are trying to kill me,
because my word has no room among you.
I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence;
then do what you have heard from the Father.”
They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.”
Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children,
you would be doing the works of Abraham.
But now you are trying to kill me,
a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God;
Abraham did not do this.
You are doing the works of your father!”
So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication.
We have one Father, God.”
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me,
for I came from God and am here;
I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”
The passage in today’s gospel continues Jesus’ teaching and reveals his relationship to the Father. This must have been very difficult to understand for many who were listening, especially the scribes and Pharisees, whom Jesus called out as planning to kill him. Jesus’ teaching on truth, sin, and the path to freedom can seem very complicated, particularly the notion that those who commit sins are slaves to sin.
In thinking about slavery to sin, the images that come to mind are challenges with an addiction, such as drugs, alcohol, or a pattern of emotional or physical mistreatment of others. Serious problems that, growing up, our family did not often discuss. So, as a young Catholic, I was confused when I would see my mom going to confession just about every week. I would wonder what she could possibly need to confess.
Being the oldest of eight children, I could see the daily challenges my mom faced, but she never seemed to lose her patience and care for others (including her elderly parents, her siblings, and many others). It didn’t dawn on me till many years later, as my wife and I were raising our children, that the weekly confessions and daily rosaries were the path to the freedom Jesus spoke of by remaining in his word and, importantly, showing her children that path even during times of trial and suffering.
As we journey through Lent, I am continually reminded that Jesus has provided the path to the Father through our belief in him and remaining in his word—through attending Mass, prayer, fasting, and charity toward others. Christ has reminded us that although we are sinners, he has provided freedom from that slavery through his ultimate sacrifice.
Prayer
Almighty and ever-living God, we offer you praise and thanksgiving for you sent your Son, Jesus, to set us free. May we, your children, make room for your saving Word made flesh. May the truth of his love and mercy embolden us to bear his name and truly serve as his disciples, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Hugh of Champagne was a nobleman born in the late seventh or early eighth century. While he was a still a layman, Hugh was appointed the caretaker of Jumièges Abbey. In 718, he embraced the call to monastic life and entered Jumièges as a monk.
In 722, the important French city of Rouen's diocesan seat fell vacant. Hugh was called upon to take up the role of archbishop. Hugh left his monastery and managed not only the Archdiocese of Rouen but Fontenelle Abbey. Two years, later, Hugh took on two more dioceses to care for—Paris and Bayeux! St. Hugh's pastoral energies must have been nearly inexhaustible!
Finally, as he neared death, Hugh retired back to his home monastery of Jumièges. Hugh died on the ninth of April, 730. St. Hugh's earthly remains were laid to rest at Notre Dame in Paris. Two centuries later, his relics were smuggled away to Belgium to save them from being ransacked by Norman invaders in Paris.
St. Hugh of Champagne, abbot and bishop who gave of himself tirelessly to care for Christ's flock—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Hugh of Champagne with his brothers is in the public domain. Last accessed February 13, 2025 on Wikimedia Commons.
