father-freedom
"We have but one Father and that is God Himself." —John 8:41
When Jesus taught us about freedom, He taught us about God's fatherhood. We can be free because we are children of God the Father. When we become free, we, as sons and daughters of God, have a permanent place with Jesus in God the Father's family (see Jn 8:35). Jesus, as the Son of the Father, sets us free (Jn 8:36).
The truth will set us free (Jn 8:32). By truth, the Lord means true relationships, especially our relationship with God the Father. Jesus came to show us the Father (Jn 14:9). No one comes to the Father except through Jesus (Jn 14:6). Because Jesus is the only Way to the Father, He alone truly sets us free (Jn 8:36). Jesus is the Truth (Jn 14:6), because He has been perfectly true in His relationship with His Father, even to accepting death on the cross.
If, by grace, we are true to our heavenly Father and decide to do His will rather than ours (see Mt 26:39), we will deeply discover how true the Father is to us. This awesome security will take precedence over all fears, anxieties, and pressures (Lk 12:7). Secure in the Father's true love, we will not be manipulated. We will be free at last.
Prayer: Father, Abba, in Your arms I am truly free. I love You.
Promise: "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who sent His angel to deliver the servants that trusted in Him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." —Dn 3:95
Praise: Len tried to stop masturbating during Lent. Jesus gave him the power to stop for a lifetime.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our booklet, The Truth Will Set You Free.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 30, 2013
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