Reflection
Jesus revealed the arbitrariness and constructed nature of what others considered to be the norm. His life and ministry disrupted established values. This deeply felt presence of God within him pushed Jesus beyond the norm. He became a disrupter, a trickster, one who deceived others by not delivering their expectations. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” they asked. Jesus showed that Godly life is about overcoming all obstacles and dualisms that stand in the way of new and deeper personhood toward unity and community… Jesus acted as one who was lawless, subversive, yet one who was entirely without a separate ego; his radical freedom was the radicality of love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, healing and hope. To act in subversive love is to know that death is part of life. Jesus began his ministry unafraid to die because the power of God was so strong in him that life itself could not be extinguished. Radical love requires one to live in the ultimate victory of life, which is God.
Ilia Delio
Prayer
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Action
How is your inner freedom controlled by “norms”? What blocks you from embracing unity and community? What will you do?
Suggested Reading
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
1 Peter 2:16-17
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32
The journey of truth and freedom is an arduous one that lasts a lifetime.
Pope Francis
May freedom be seen, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to please to do what is right.
Peter Marshall
Christians are not people who follow a set of rules. Christians are, first and foremost, people who believe in God, hope for everything from God, and want to love God with all their hearts and to love their neighbors.
Jacques Philippe
inner freedom is not guided by our efforts; it comes from seeing what is true.
Buddha
To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Nelson Mandela
Where the Spirit of the God is, there Is ;iberty.
Charles Didier