Greetings beloved,
We see in St. Luke's Gospel chapter 4 verse 18, that Jesus was continuing to teach in Nazareth concerning the Messiah and how He had also come to correct social problems.
The status of women at the time of Christ was not unlike an animal, to be bought and sold. They were subjugated as second class citizens, and their treatment was based on how they performed. Many of them were beaten. In some parts of the world today, women are still treated in this ungodly manner. Jesus said that the Messiah had come; " ...to set at liberty those who are oppressed;" (Luke 4:18).
When people are committed to following Jesus' way of life, they can change from being an "oppressor" or "oppressed" to being completely free. Jesus says to those who believe in Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31,32). The most hardcore, violent criminal under the influence of God's Holy Spirit and Christ's discipleship can become gentle, honest persons. The impatient child beaters can learn to handle their tempers, and wife abusers can learn to love their wives as themselves. Being gentle or meek doesn't mean being weak. Weakness is a lack of strength. Meekness is knowing when and when not to use your strength. Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).
Our world today still prefers violence whether in the movies, music or video games. Statistics show that on the television, the higher ratings are for the shows that are most degrading to women and the most violent. Secular society continues to influence and encourage the wrong choices of those who oppress others. One of the aims of the Women's Liberation Movement is to provide freedom from wife beating. Child abuse is another area of major social concern that is being addressed. Truth is, no one will ever experience true freedom from any of these abuses until they come to Jesus. Jesus came to deliver us, the Bible says: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). Are you now or have you ever oppressed someone physically or verbally?
Pray with me... Sovereign Lord Jesus, it doesn't matter how we are hurt -- by affliction -- by physical danger -- verbal abuse -- or by spiritual bonds, You are our Savior and our Deliverer. May we all experience your love and healing presence. We pray in Jesus' name. AMEN!
God's blessings to you all,
Fr. Ernest+
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