«If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever» (Proverbs 29:14).
The Statue of Liberty which was inaugurated on October 28, 1886, stands on a twelve-acre islet off the island of Manhattan, right in the area where, in the past, boats came from different parts of the world, swarming with anxious immigrants looking for better job opportunities and progress. When these immigrants saw the imposing figure, they knew they had come to the land of freedom, a place filled with opportunities and where they could freely practice the religion of their choice.
The statue has three elements that highlight its meaning: the broken chains, the crown of freedom, and the Declaration of Independence of the United States with the date of July 4, 1774 in Roman numerals. Standing in front of the colossal monument is an unforgettable experience. Every year, thousands of tourists visit it to take pictures and to contemplate it. Ellis Island, which is located next to the islet where the Statue of Liberty stands, houses the Immigration Museum, a place full of meaning. It tells the story of the trials suffered by the first immigrants who came to North America, fleeing the abuses of kings and popes, seeking a land where they could worship God freely. Sadly, not all who left their places of origin were able to reach the land of freedom, many died on the way.
Jesus Christ crucified, bleeding, suffering, and dying, became the Christian symbol of freedom. The nails in His hands and feet, His crown of thorns, and the spear thrust in His side are the elements that evoke the price that Heaven was willing to pay for the redemption of humanity (see Romans 5.6-8).
Today, almost two thousand years after His death, we can look at the cross and remember that Christ died for our freedom, so that every human being can make his or her own decisions, regardless of religious beliefs; so that no one can force us to believe what we don’t want to believe; to show that every human being has the same value in the eyes of the heavenly Father, regardless of gender, race, nationality, or language; so that no one should live enslaved by vices; to take us to the most exalted place that human beings can aspire to: the feet of Jesus Christ. The cross represents life, hope, peace, and forgiveness. It is the true symbol of freedom!
What a privilege to be able to approach the cross of Christ and contemplate its deep significance! That is why the Word of God says: «And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free» (John 8:32).
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
