Apr 26: Aways Free in Every Situation

Gustave Doré: Lucifer in Hell
Illustration for The Divine Comedy, 1861-68

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Gospel: Jn 14:27-31a

“The ruler of this world has no power over me (NRSV, Jn 14:30b).”

Father, even from the womb, created for physical life on this earth and already given a share in your divine life, we are oppressed by the evil forces that fill the world. The sum total of all of the evil ever committed is our inheritance along with the life and power that you always offer us in the Holy Spirit through your Word.

We are at once weakened by the influence of sin and strengthened by your grace.

But, created in your image, we are endowed with free will in every situation in which we may find ourselves. We are always free to say “no” to sin and “yes” to you, Father, thanks to the gift always available to us in the Holy Spirit.

With Jesus we too can rightly say, “The rule of this world has no power over me.”

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.