God's Freedom

 "When the Egyptians maltreated and oppressed us, imposing hard labor upon us, we cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm." Dt 26: 6-7

God wants to set us free. This is a truth that is so simple and pure that we sometimes deny or resist it. Freedom is a terrible responsibility. It means that we will have to make difficult  and sometimes painful decisions. It also means we must reach out for the oppressed just as God stretched out his arms to the Hebrews in Egypt. 

Slavery of any kind is an evil, and although the story of God leading the Hebrews out of Egypt may not be historically accurate, it does help us reflect on our most important values and challenge us to live in freedom and to work for the liberation of all.

The church has spoken of this repeatedly. "'The duty of making oneself a neighbor to others and actively serving them becomes even more urgent when it involves the disadvantaged, in whatever area this may be. 'As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'" Catechism of Catholic Church

Today, help set someone live freely by listening to them unconditionally.

What or who helps you to be authentically free?