Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 Dn 3:52, 53, 55, 56 Jn 8:31-42

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer Praying Lent The Daily Reflections

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.- John 8:33-34

Today in the Gospel, a specific thing Jesus said struck me: " Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin." A slave of sin? I never really thought about it that way before. I obviously am not perfect and have had my fair share of sinning, but am I a slave of sin?

There are not many things we are a slave to, but there are definitely many things people can have a hard time saying no to. Specific activities, clothing, gadgets or even foods can prove to be a challenge to turn down.  Even though I understand how terrible they are for me, I personally have a hard time saying no to donuts. Ever since I was deemed the Donut Girl on my tenth birthday, I have embraced my love for donuts and indulge as much as I can. If I could still keep my health and figure, I would eat one every day! I may have a hard time saying no to donuts, but I do not think by any means I am a slave to them. But I wonder if I would ever lie, cheat, or steal in order to obtain a donut. I would like to tell myself no, but perhaps in a moment of pure weakness or temptation I would sin.

This little example leads me to ask myself again: Am I a slave of sin? Well, I guess I am. I absolutely am a slave of sin whether I like it or not. But like Jesus says, "Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin." It is not just me. And I think that is a reason why we are given the opportunity to go to reconciliation to be forgiven of our sins. Jesus understands our nature, and therefore allows us a chance to apologize for our wrongdoing. And that way, we do not have to always be a slave of sin. Now hopefully I can start saying no to donuts!