Freedom: Parishioner Reflections on the Jubilee

...the greatest gift we have ever received...

Freedom is never "free." We know this to be true. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our freedom on His Cross, His human blood flowing in the stream that is our salvation. But humans still pay a price for freedom. We’ve seen this recently in the sacrifices made by people in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, and East Timor. I recently attended the burial in Arlington Cemetery of a World War II veteran, a former prisoner of war. When he returned from the war, he successfully fought for the rights and recognition of all those who had been prisoners of war, such as my father, that their sacrifices not be forgotten and their lives not abandoned once they returned to us. "Find the cost of freedom, buried in the ground..." and on the Cross.

However, Freedom is also always free. Huh??! Not obvious, perhaps, but so true. Jesus paid that ultimate price for all of us, freeing us not only from sin, but freeing us to be positive forces of good for others and ourselves. Freedom to speak for the speechless, aid the helpless, challenge the heartless, turn the selfish. St. Francis reminds us, "it is only in giving that we receive." The love and support this community gave me helped me survive my "lost" marriage, and gives me strength in turn to give back to this community. Such freedom is so liberating!

Freedom, the greatest gift we have ever received; the single greatest gift we can give. It’s already paid for - our obligation is to share it.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, through your Son, I have been given the gift of freedom. May your Spirit ever guide me to share that gift with all.

Tom Ryan

Next reflection >>

     
Go Home Go Jubilee

Revised/reviewed July 2, 2000