The freedom offered by Jesus Christ through his truth and words has a real effect on us. “If you remain in my word,” he says, “you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31). Here are three ways that Jesus sets us free:
First, we become dissatisfied with sin. At times, we can be so used to sin and our own particular weaknesses that we settle down with them for the long haul. Not that we like them, but they aren’t going anywhere. But Jesus shows us the truth: sin is an enslavement from which we can be set free. The freedom of Jesus is the freedom to be discontent with sin.
Second, we are transformed by grace. As grace detaches us from sin and works in our hearts, we are made anew. We do not necessarily know what Divine Love will do to us or demand of us, but we know that we shall be made perfect. Jesus shows us the truth of ourselves: sin causes the destruction of our identity, but we can be healed. The freedom of Jesus is the freedom to be transformed.
Third, we are able to fight. Invigorated by the voice of Jesus and transformed in grace, we are compelled to act. The beginning of the spiritual life is the entry into the arena of spiritual valor; the renewal of the spiritual life refreshes us in the fight. Jesus reveals the truth of our identity, that we are made for holiness. Christian perfection does not take place in an instant or entirely without our effort. “In vain would you say that the elect have no reason to labor,” contends St. Prosper of Aquitaine. “They were rather chosen that they should labor” (The Call of the Nations). The freedom of Jesus is the freedom to fight.
Blessed Henry Suso prayed, “I look everywhere for your divinity, but you show me your humanity; I desire your sweetness, but you offer me bitterness; I want to suckle, but you teach me to fight” (Little Book of Eternal Wisdom). The freedom offered by Jesus does not allow for complacency or leave us unchanged. It is not a boring freedom. Rather, Jesus frees us to be invigorated and transformed. He offers a bold freedom that compels us to fight for perfection and become more alive in his grace.
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