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In
Search of the Spirit
A
monthly letter from the Glenmary Vocation Office
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July 2004
The Real Meaning of Freedom: A Fourth of July Reflection
By
Father Steve Pawelk
Freedom. This is one of our highest national values, but what does it mean?
A common definition of freedom in the United States is the right to do what I want as long as it does not hurt another. The scriptural concept of freedom, however, is very different.
St. Paul writes: "For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love" (Gal 5: 13).
Paul sees freedom as the ability to choose to do the loving thing for others. The focus is not on me and my choice, but on the other and the choices I make for them.
This is typical of the Christian message in that it reverses our normal thinking and takes us in an entirely new direction. Remember the words of Mary in the Magnificat: "He has thrown down rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty" (Lk 1:52-53). Or these words of Jesus: "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it" (Mk 8:36). And, "Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first" (Mt 19:30).
Thus the secret of freedom, according to our Christian tradition, is to make loving choices—not for personal satisfaction but for the sake of the other and the kingdom of God.
Once stated, this seems so obvious, but it is a hard concept to live out. Our freedom is often compromised by our fears, our temptations and sometimes even by our desire to "fit in." At other times, our desire to keep all options open can enslave us and prevent us from living fully for Christ.
Take, for example, one's approach to choosing a major in college. It is more and more common for people to choose a double major and stay in school for five years. The main reason: to ensure oneself more options. Of course there may be some very good reasons for this approach in some circumstances. Yet it is one indicator of a certain fear of making a choice and setting a goal and going for it. Our desire for options may compromise our search for freedom.
In my experience, freedom comes in making a choice out of many good options and going for it. And, in that process, we discover that while making a choice can limit our options in some ways, it actually expands our freedom in other ways.
I remember my dating years very well in this context. There were so many good women—beautiful, smart, spiritual and athletic. How could I know who was the right one for me? Who was God calling me to choose for my wife? How should I behave? (There was always just a bit of doubt and showmanship.)
Yet when I made the choice to be a priest, relationships with women became more free in an unexpected way. (I presume the same is true for those who finally choose one women as a spouse.)
My path was clear. Women I met after my choice for priesthood were no longer potential spouses, but potential friends. The pressure was off. The sense of competition and measuring up to expectations ended. I became free to use my energy in new ways and to discover new ways of being for others and for God. Freedom comes in making a decision.
This does not mean that all desires disappear, or that there are fewer temptations when one freely chooses one good thing over many other good things (or people). Yet, when we freely choose something/someone in prayerful discernment, things are clearer. The path is more obvious and easier to navigate. I know where I need to be going even if distracted by temptations, fears and doubts. I have made a choice. Now the task is to live that choice freely and joyfully.
Jesus says: "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few" (Mt 7:13-14).
Narrow, therefore, is the path of true spiritual freedom. Freedom is the ability to eliminate options, not to keep all options open. In so doing, the path of love of God and love of others will become easier to see and to follow.
Christian freedom is choosing what is best for the other; not what is best for me. After all, it would be hard to make the argument that the crucifixion was what was best for Jesus. No, it is the truest form of freedom when I am able to choose personal sacrifice and suffering so that others may have joy and peace as Jesus did. This freedom is a powerful gift of the Holy Spirit.
May you find it and freely choose it.
