True freedom

 

“No slave has a permanent place in the family, but the Son has a place there forever.  That is why if the Son frees you, you will really be free.”  [John 8:31-42]

With the lockdowns, mask mandates, and business restrictions due to Covid-19 over the last two years, there’s been a lot of heated discussions about freedom.  Most of us think that we’re free.  After all, we live in a free republic with a cherished Bill of Rights!  We think of ourselves as enjoying great freedom of choice, as well as great freedoms to do, buy, say and live in whatever manner pleases us. 

This season of Lent and this gospel challenges us to find out just how free we really are in personal relationships with things, time, and within ourselves, in Christ!  The Gospel of John tells us that real freedom grows when we are first and foremost in a personal relationship with Jesus’ Spirit as His disciples.  We must listen for Jesus’ Spirit at work in our hearts and in the Church, learning from Him.  If we follow Jesus as truth we can be free.

A great way to find out how free we really are, amid all the external freedoms, is to set aside part of one day to be alone with God.  Most of us can find someplace quiet and restful nearby, and plan to stay from sunrise to sunset.  It’s OK to eat regular foods at regular mealtimes but make it a point to be with God in silence and solitude.  We should leave our radios, newspapers, cell phones, or any other electronics at home.  We can take Sacred Scripture or other books to read if they will encourage us speak to no one except to God in several periods of prayer as we relax.   Some mild physical exercise is good to enjoy, so maybe taking walks while we engage with Jesus in prayer.  Maybe we can write in a journal, recording our thoughts and feelings after the prayer periods.  We just might come to understand a bit how free or enslaved we are in our relationships.

Sadly, I see us terribly enslaved, perhaps more than ever in this free society.  We’re enslaved by impulses and inner attitudes that ensnare us into misusing technology and time.  Our external freedoms paradoxically act to enslave us deeply unless we’re inwardly able to know ourselves and to receive God’s love being communicated to us.

As we face our heart’s impulses and attitudes new opportunities present themselves for relating with truth, Jesus’ Spirit.  It’s in this relationship alone that we’re set free.  May freedom ring anew as we learn discipleship with and for Jesus the Christ!