In the early days of Jesus’ ministry, the Jewish people were looking for a Messiah who would bring them a political freedom from the presence of Roman troops and government, something akin to Moses freeing the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt. And yet, God has so much more in mind with the freedom brought about by Jesus, who came to give us even more than freedom from our sins.
Even though the Savior has come in the person of Jesus; even though the freedom promised has already been achieved through his passion, death and resurrection, people still strive to achieve the fullest human freedom that is a part of God’s genius plan.
The Prophet Isaiah gave voice to what this freedom would look like for many:
[My servant] shall bring forth justice to the nations, Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, Until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.
[This servant] will open the eyes of the blind, bring out prisoners from confinement, and lead those in darkness into light. (see Isaiah 42:1-7)
In John’s Gospel (Chapter 8) Jesus tells his disciples: “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.” Now we begin to understand the freedom brought about by the Christ is something more than freedom from worldly oppression, though this is a part of the justice which is also envisioned.
The fullness of freedom which is God’s great desire – and gift already won by the Christ – is directed towards love. It is a freedom to live in harmony with God and each other and all that God has created. That is why Jesus sums up the Commandments in the simple words: Love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.
True human freedom is also much more than a radical individualism that claims the right to do whatever one pleases. This is a distortion, and does nothing to promote or bring about the common good of the whole human family. As Pope Francis said: “Individualism does not make us more free, more equal, more fraternal”. (Fratelli Tutti, 105)
True human freedom is ordered to love, which is ordered to others, not self. This is the love God demonstrated when he sent his beloved Son into the world – as a member of the human family. That act alone was a measure of great humility – God became a human person! Such debasement on God’s behalf meant to elevate us to our fullest dignity!
The greatness of Love is on full display this Holy Week, as Jesus undergoes his passion and death. Though innocent, He lays down his life for us, for our wellbeing, for our salvation…. and He did so freely according to God’s will. St. Catherine of Siena often wrote that Jesus ran to the cross with divine charity. She also claimed that it was not the cross or the nails that held him bound, for these alone were insufficient. No, it was only love that bound Jesus to this tree of life.
This is love! This is freedom!
Our fullest human dignity and freedom is ordered to love. It is for this that Christ has set us free!
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