# The Choice: Freedom, Sin, and the Luminous Mysteries
*2017-09-26*

> Bill Young reflects on Romans 6:20‑21, urging listeners to choose life in Christ, and leads the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary with prayers and a call to daily conversion.

## Opening Reflection

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Thursday, October 26, and our theme is “The Choice.” In Romans 6:20‑21 we read, “When you were slaves of sin, you were free from the law of God. What benefit did you enjoy?” Every person stands at a crossroads: we can remain slaves to sin, enjoying a false freedom that leads to death, or we can become slaves of God, receiving sanctification and eternal life (Romans 6:19‑22). Throughout each day our words, thoughts, and actions either draw us toward light and holiness or toward darkness and selfishness. The invitation is clear—choose life, choose Jesus, repent, and receive the sacraments.

## Prayer for the Day

Father, may the love of Christ impel us (2 Cor 5:14). Grant us the light of God’s grace, that we may continually renew our baptism, renounce sin, and grow in love of the Eucharist. Help us to use material goods wisely, to feed the hungry, and to clothe ourselves modestly, keeping our focus on Christ.

## The Luminous Mysteries

We began the Rosary with the Luminous Mysteries, meditating on the following events:
1. **The Baptism of Jesus** (Matt 3:13‑17) – The Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son.”
2. **The Wedding at Cana** (John 2:1‑11) – Mary’s intercession led to Jesus’ first miracle, revealing His glory.
3. **The Proclamation of the Kingdom** (Mark 1:14‑15) – Jesus announced that the Kingdom of God is at hand and healed a paralytic, forgiving his sins.
4. **The Transfiguration** (Matt 17:1‑8) – On the mountain, Christ’s face shone and His garments became dazzling white, confirming His divine sonship.
5. **The Institution of the Eucharist** (John 6:53‑58) – At the Last Supper, Jesus gave His body and blood as the new covenant, inviting us to partake in His sacrifice.
For each mystery we prayed the Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be, asking the Blessed Virgin to intercede for sinners now and at the hour of death.

## Closing Prayer and Invitation

We concluded with the Act of Contrition, the Pardon Prayer, and a series of invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking her to obtain for us the promises of Christ. May we open the door of our hearts to Jesus, as He stands knocking (Rev 3:20), and may we live each day choosing the cross of Christ.

*Each moment is a choice: embrace the freedom of sin, or accept the true freedom that comes from being a slave to God.*