20th November

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5, 1

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3, 17

Who is free?

King Henry III vividly desired to keep this craftsman who was the only one at that time who was able to manufacture such precious dishes.

Neither threats nor promises produced the effect on the prisoner to deny his faith. The king visited him personally in prison and asked him to abjure.

Henry added: "If you don't do it, I would be forced to condemn you to death."

Palissy answered: "Lord, do I hear the king of France saying: I would be forced? I am only a poor potter and one of the smallest subjects of Your Majesty. In addition to this I am a prisoner today but no power in the world can force me to act against my conscience. You are one of the most powerful masters on earth and you say: I am forced. Lord, which one of us is free?"

Man wants to be free and believes he is free. In fact, even if he is a person of authority his margin of freedom is narrow. How does man use his freedom? He is a slave of his impulses and covetousness whereas Jesus, the Son of God, reminds us that if he sets us free, we are free indeed (John 8, 36).