April 28.  Freedom Day SA. Liberty is directed above all to love and the common good.  The speaker began, ”What does freedom mean to you as an individual and a member of a family and community?  It can even mean different things at different times and in these different contexts.   On this holiday celebrating and commemorating the day in 1994 when the first fully democratic election was held in South Africa we do celebrate freedom and commemorate the new Constitution.  Freedom is precious. It was and always is hard-bought and should be greatly appreciated. But it is not for free. It was bought at a price and still costs for many people. We as families can consider the cost of freedom and let us discuss the history of the day with those too young to remember the past.” The packed hall applauded his speech.  Would they go and do more? Reflect, share and act. Scripture It is truly right and just that we should give you thanks and praise O God, almighty Father for all you do in this world, through our Lord Jesus Christ.  For though the human race is divided by dissension and discord, yet we know that by testing us you change our hearts to prepare them for reconciliation.  Even more by your Spirit you move human hearts that enemies may speak to each other again, adversaries may join hands and peoples seek to meet together.  By the working of your power it comes about, O Lord, that hatred is overcome by love, revenge gives way to forgiveness and discord is changed to mutual respect.  Preface for Reconciliation. Pope Francis: Fraternity is born not only of a climate of respect for individual liberties or administrative equality. Fraternity calls for something greater. Liberty is directed above all to love and the common good. FT103. JUBILEE.  We need to “abound in hope” (cf. Rom 15:13), so that we may bear credible and attractive witness to the faith and love that dwell in our hearts; that our faith may be joyful and our charity enthusiastic; and that each of us may be able to offer a smile, a small gesture of friendship, a kind look, a ready ear, a good deed, in the knowledge that, in the spirit of Jesus, these can become, for those who receive them, rich seeds of hope.