The Freedom to Choose Life

 

What are The Freedom to Choose Life?

Readings:

First Reading - Sirach 15:15–20

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 119:1–2. 4–5. 17–18. 33–34

Second Reading  - 1 Corinthians 2:6–10

Alleluia - Matthew 11:25

Gospel Reading  - Matthew 5:17–37

Today’s readings center on one powerful truth: God has given us the freedom to choose — and with that freedom comes responsibility.

You Are Set Before a Choice

In Sirach 15, we hear these striking words:

“If you choose, you can keep the commandments… Before you are fire and water; stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.”

God does not force obedience. He gives us freedom. We are not puppets. We are moral beings capable of choosing good or evil, life or destruction.

This is both a gift and a weighty responsibility.

The world often defines freedom as “doing whatever I want.”

But Scripture defines freedom as the ability to choose what leads to life.

True freedom is not the absence of boundaries; it is the wisdom to choose what builds, not what destroys.

A Heart That Loves the Law

Psalm 119 reveals the posture of someone who understands this:

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.”

The psalmist does not see God’s commandments as restrictions. He sees them as a path to blessing.

He prays:

• “Teach me.”

• “Give me understanding.”

• “Open my eyes.”

Obedience begins not with pressure but with desire — a longing to know God’s ways.

Wisdom Revealed to the Humble

In 1 Corinthians 2, St. Paul reminds us that true wisdom does not come from human intelligence alone. It is revealed by the Spirit.

And in Matthew 11:25, Jesus praises the Father for revealing divine truths not to the “wise and learned” but to the little ones.

This is crucial.

Understanding God’s law is not about intellectual pride. It is about humility. A childlike heart receives what the proud heart rejects.

Jesus Fulfills the Law

In Matthew 5, Jesus deepens our understanding of the commandments. He does not abolish the law; He fulfills it.

He moves us from external obedience to internal transformation:

• It is not enough to avoid murder — we must uproot anger.

• It is not enough to avoid adultery — we must guard the heart.

• It is not enough to make promises — our “yes” must mean yes.

Jesus shifts the focus from behavior alone to intention.

God is not only concerned with what we do. He cares about who we are becoming.

Choosing the Higher Way

These readings together challenge us:

• Will I treat God’s commandments as burdens or blessings?

• Do I obey outwardly while ignoring inner attitudes?

• Am I humble enough to let God teach me?

The path of holiness is not accidental. It is chosen daily.

Every decision — in speech, thought, relationships, integrity — shapes our spiritual direction.

A Prayer for a Faithful Heart

Lord,

You have set before me life and death, blessing and curse.

Give me the wisdom to choose life.

Open my eyes to the beauty of Your commandments.

Purify my heart, not just my actions.

Make my obedience joyful, not reluctant.

Teach me to walk in Your ways with humility and love.

Amen.