This week we will celebrate Independence Day—our day of liberty and freedom. Our political freedoms are protected by the Constitution. More importantly, our spiritual freedom is a free gift from God. Our political freedoms are based on this spiritual freedom. The Declaration of Independence states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Because God created us in His image and likeness (Gn 1: 27), He gave us certain rights that can never be taken away, one of them being liberty.
Some might say that choosing to follow Christ and His Church are impediments to freedom and our pursuit of happiness. That following the Ten Commandments, living the Beatitudes, and seeking to love God and others before ourselves all take away our ability to be free to do whatever we want. The paradox is, by being obedient to God and conforming our will to His, we actually become freer. Christ doesn’t take away our freedom—He guarantees it!
“…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Cor 3: 17)
The real hindrance to freedom is sin. “But thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted” (Rom 6:17). Yes, sin enslaves us. It warps our frail minds and bodies and captivates us with its empty promises.
The Good News is, Christ died to set us free from the bondage of sin and death. “For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery” (Gal 5:1). Following Christ, choosing what is true, good, and right, sets us free from sin.
“The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just. The choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to ‘the slavery of sin.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1733)
The gift of freedom comes with a responsibility. We have free will, so we can choose what is right and good or we can choose what is contrary to God’s will. When we follow Christ and remain close to Him through the sacraments and prayer, we are more able to align what we want with what God wants. God’s will—truth itself—becomes our will. Jesus tells us that authentic discipleship means being obedient to Him: “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31-32).
Thank you, Jesus, for setting me free from sin and death. Please help me to hold fast to Your teaching and relish the gift of my freedom.
Readings for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 KINGS 19:16-21
PSALM 16:1-11
GALATIANS 5:1, 13-18
LUKE 9:51-62