Faith Today

October 12, 2026

Choosing Freedom Over Slavery

“Christ set us free, so that we should remain free.”
Galatians 5:1

Today's Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters, the news of Alex Saab, a prominent political figure, pleading guilty to corruption reminds us how easily individuals and leaders can fall into patterns of self-interest and injustice. The readings today urge us to reject the 'yoke of slavery'—in this case, the slavery of corruption, greed, and the misuse of power—and to seek freedom by embracing truth and humility. We are reminded that God desires justice and repentance from all people, no matter how entrenched in wrongdoing they may seem.

Coping

When hard news comes our way, today's readings remind us that we are not defined by the burdens we carry or the circumstances we face. Christ's promise of freedom means we are not bound by the 'yoke of slavery'—whether that is anxiety, guilt, or fear. By turning to God, we find the strength to cope with challenges while holding on to hope and dignity.

Family

Paul speaks of family not by blood alone, but as all those who share in the promise of freedom. As families—biological and spiritual—we are called to support each other and rejoice in one another’s growth, remembering that true belonging comes from living in God’s freedom and forgiveness, not in old patterns of resentment or judgment.

Community

The readings also invite us to be a community that lifts up the poor and the needy, echoing the Psalm’s assurance that God ‘raises the poor from the dust.’ Just as the Queen of the South and the people of Nineveh responded to God’s call, we too are called to be attentive and responsive, creating a shared life marked by wisdom, repentance, and generosity.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1

[22] Scripture says that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave girl and one by the freewoman. [23] The son of the slave girl came to be born in the way of human nature; but the son of the freewoman came to be born through a promise. [24] There is an allegory here: these women stand for the two covenants. The one given on Mount Sinai -- that is Hagar, whose children are born into slavery; [26] But the Jerusalem above is free, and that is the one that is our mother; [27] as scripture says: Shout for joy, you barren woman who has borne no children! Break into shouts of joy, you who were never in labour. For the sons of the forsaken one are more in number than the sons of the wedded wife. [31] So, brothers, we are the children not of the slave girl but of the freewoman. [1] Christ set us free, so that we should remain free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be fastened again to the yoke of slavery.

Psalm · Psalms 113:1-2, 3-4, 5, 6-7

[1] Alleluia! Praise, servants of Yahweh, praise the name of Yahweh. [2] Blessed be the name of Yahweh, henceforth and for ever. [3] From the rising of the sun to its setting, praised be the name of Yahweh! [4] Supreme over all nations is Yahweh, supreme over the heavens his glory. [5] Who is like Yahweh our God? His throne is set on high, [6] but he stoops to look down on heaven and earth. [7] He raises the poor from the dust, he lifts the needy from the dunghill,

Gospel · Luke 11:29-32

[29] The crowds got even bigger and he addressed them, 'This is an evil generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. [30] For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of man be a sign to this generation. [31] On Judgement Day the Queen of the South will stand up against the people of this generation and be their condemnation, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, look, there is something greater than Solomon here. [32] On Judgement Day the men of Nineveh will appear against this generation and be its condemnation, because when Jonah preached they repented; and, look, there is something greater than Jonah here.