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The Freedom Jesus Gives

Carmelite homily for Wednesday, April 1, 2020 – Lectionary 253 (John 8:31-42)

In today’s Gospel there’s still more upset.  This time the issue is freedom versus slavery.  The Pharisees claim to be free because they’re children of Abraham, and Jesus says they’re slaves.  They get upset.  It’s not just an external freedom Jesus is talking about.  It’s an internal freedom.  Here’s what Saint John of the Cross says, “Freedom cannot abide in an enslaved heart; rather, it abides in a liberated heart, a child’s heart.”  That’s where true freedom is.  This is the freedom Jesus offers; the freedom Jesus teaches; the freedom Jesus gives. 

Saint John of the Cross
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Freedom of Spirit

Carmelite homily for Lectionary 487 – Wednesday, November 6, 2019

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says whoever does not take up his cross and follow him is not worthy to be his disciple.  But Jesus doesn’t say why.  Why should we take up this cross?  But Teresa of Avila answers it.  She says, “If you wish to gain freedom of spirit begin by not being afraid of the cross.”  Because it is the crosses of our lives that pull us past ego, past fear, past self-appetites, past selfishness – and self.  It is the cross that brings us to freedom.  So if you wish to gain freedom, begin by not being afraid of the cross.