Isaiah 42:1-7 / John 12:1-11
If we were asked to fill in the blank with the phrase that begins with "freedom of ... " what word can we think of that will follow that?
We might probably think of "freedom of speech" or "freedom of choice". These two phrases are what we often hear of.
But "freedom of speech" and "freedom of choice" may not be as free as what we might presume it to be.
As much as there is "freedom of speech", the freedom after the speech may not be guaranteed.
Similarly with the "freedom of choice", the freedom after the choice may be curtailed.
In the gospel, we heard about what Mary did for Jesus. She anointed His feet with a costly ointment. She exercised her freedom of choice to do what she did for Jesus.
But her choice of action brought about criticism and Jesus came to her defence and spoke up for her.
Jesus used His freedom of speech with this intention - to bring true justice and to serve the cause of right.
And that is what we respond with at the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer when the priest says "Let us give thanks to the Lord our God" and we respond with "It is right and just"
So for us, the freedom of speech and the freedom of choice should be geared towards what is right and what is just.
When we say and do what is right and just, then we give glory to the Lord. When we say and do what is truly right and just, then we will live in the freedom as God's children.