Very often in those action and thriller movies, there will be a hostage or hostages that are taken in order to heighten the suspense.
A hostage is a person(s) who is held by a captor. Usually it means someone who is seized by a criminal abductor in order to compel another party such as a relative, employer, law enforcement, or government to act, or refrain from acting, in a particular way, often under threat of serious physical harm to the hostage(s) after expiration of an ultimatum.
And usually a ransom is demanded, and it is usually spelt out in monetary terms, or it may be in exchange for a person(s).
When the 1st reading reminded us about the ransom that was paid for our freedom, we have to understand what exactly was the situation.
It is we ourselves who fell into sin and are held hostage by the devil who wants to pull us down into eternal damnation.
And the devil wasn't going to negotiate for a ransom; he just wants us to suffer now and suffer eternally. Furthermore we also can't save ourselves from our own sins.
That is why when Jesus came to save us, it is He who dictated the terms for our freedom and salvation.
He willingly poured out His blood on the cross as a ransom to save us, and there is nothing the devil could do to hold us hostage any more.
That is why Jesus said in the gospel that He did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
By the precious blood of Jesus Christ, we are freed, forgiven and saved.
Let us not fall into sin and be held hostage again by the devil and suffer eternal damnation.
Rather, like Jesus our Saviour, let us pour out our lives for others in love and service, so that they too can be freed, forgiven and saved.