To begin the process of becoming free, we must first believe in Jesus (see Jn 8:30). Our belief must be so deep that we obediently live according to the Lord's teaching (Jn 8:31). Furthermore, our obedience should be so complete that we truly become Jesus' disciples (Jn 8:31), that is, we obey Jesus to the point of denying our very selves and taking up the cross each day (Lk 9:23). Finally, true disciples of Jesus have true, committed, loyal, faithful relationships with Him, the Father, the Spirit, the Church, our family members, our leaders, etc. In these true relationships, we eventually find true freedom (Jn 8:32).

Freedom is not independence, but dependence on God and interdependence on others. Freedom is not selfishly doing our own thing, but unselfishly doing God's thing. Freedom is not giving "free rein to the flesh" (Gal 5:13). The worldly life of the flesh is nothing but thinly disguised slavery. True freedom is not being a slave to our human desires but a slave to Jesus (see Rm 6:16). There is no such thing as total freedom. When we choose one thing, we automatically are not free to do other things. However, there is maximum freedom. This is not attained by believing the lies of the world, but by believing in Jesus, the Truth (see Jn 14:6). No one is born free, but all can be born again free. Be free from sin, selfish independence, and manipulation by carnal desires. Be freed by and in Jesus.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 26, 2009

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