Not Made for Slavery

One of my favorite old movies to watch as a little girl was the Charlton Heston classic, The Ten Commandments. The scenery, costumes, acting, even the narrator's voice had me spellbound. The vibrant, exciting exodus story of the children of Israel and God's intervention in the lives of His people was thrilling and exciting to me, even as a nine-year-old girl. There is something powerful about that story that still deeply resonates with me, even as an adult.

Something catches my eye in the first reading, I haven't really noticed before: the time the children of Israel had stayed in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. Four hundred and thirty years the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians. I cannot imagine growing up with no end in sight, no sense of how the story would change, and perhaps not much hope.

But it did change. God sent Moses to be His advocate, a leader for Israel. And we know how that turned out!

Even though the Israelites were enslaved for hundreds of years, they were not made for slavery.

Sisters, just like them, we are not made for slavery. We are not created to be held captive or enslaved to our passions, sins, desires, our past, our pain or suffering. We are created for freedom and wholeness. God wants His daughters to be free, not slaves.

If there is any area in your life that still feels enslaved, give it up to the Lord. Go to Confession. Share your heart with close friends, because God made you to be free.

And He wants that wholeness for you more than you can even imagine.

We are created for freedom and wholeness.Click to tweet

This healing ministry is focused on the heart of the Father and the freedom He desires for you. Have you heard of it?

Patty Breen is a full-time lay minister who finds joy in running, strong cups of coffee, and all things Ignatian spirituality. A Midwestern gal from the mitten state, she is constantly learning to find grace in all things. She is passionate about ministry, writing, a great lipstick color, and smiling is her favorite. Find out more about her here.