GOSPEL MEDITATION – ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE

June 29, 2022

July 3, 2022~14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Psalm33.12 22i3 4c

Freedom properly defined is freedom properly understood. The Cambridge Dictionary tells us that it is, “the condition or right of being able or allowed to do, say, think, etc., whatever you want to, without being controlled or limited.” That same dictionary defines liberty as, “the freedom to live, work, and travel as you want to.” Both definitions sound very similar. Is there a difference between freedom and liberty? Many are accustomed to believing that freedom and liberty are interchangeable and simply involve possessing rights and privileges. For the Christian, however, there is a big difference between the two.

St. John Chrysostom directs that “the only person who is free is the one who lives for Christ.” There are many other inspirational people throughout history who see freedom as something far greater than liberty. True and properly understood freedom has little to do with entitlement or self-promotion. For the believer, it is a matter of the heart and soul. Freedom (and liberty, for that matter), seen only in terms of the world, can quickly be taken away. The freedom spoken of by St. John Chrysostom can only be lost by personal choice. When one lives for Christ, they live in pursuit of virtues that enlighten one’s soul (faith, hope, and love) and strengthen one’s character (justice, fortitude, temperance, and prudence). Rather than having the ability to acquire or do more things, true freedom asks us to be detached. Privileges, rights, and responsibilities are important, but they do not define us.

The world is not always open to listening to the truth. “I am sending you like lambs among wolves,” Jesus tells his disciples. The secular definitions of freedom and liberty are very attractive. They promise us a great deal. It is no wonder Jesus asks his disciples to travel with very little. The Gospel is not dependent upon things or anything those with worldly power or investment can say or do. When one chooses to live for Christ, they choose to live with peace. That’s what true freedom will give us. If we do not want what Christ offers, we can close the door, and the messenger will walk away. Distracted by the lure of personal liberties, we risk losing our freedom. We will not have anything truly life-giving to share with others.

©LPi

MEDITACIÓN EVANGÉLICO – ALENTAR ENTENDIMIENTO MÁS PROFUNDO DE LA ESCRITURA (Gospel Meditation)

3 de julio de 2022~14º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

“Jesús no quiere obrar solo, vino a traer al mundo el amor de Dios y quiere difundirlo con el estilo de la comunión, con el estilo de la fraternidad. Por ello forma una comunidad de discípulos, que es una comunidad misionera. Inmediatamente los entrena para la misión, para ir. La finalidad es anunciar el Reino de Dios, ¡y esto es urgente! También hoy es urgente” (Papa Francisco). Que importante noticia anuncia Jesús en su tiempo y hoy. Compartir la Buena Nueva a pesar de los tiempos que estamos viviendo. Llevar la alegría a la familia y amigos cercanos de que Jesús está entre nosotros. Y nos envía a la misión como nos lo indica el Papa Francisco.

Ir en misión no es cosa de una sola persona, es cuestión de dos en dos. “Después de esto, el Señor eligió a otros setenta y dos discípulos y los envió de dos en dos, delante de él, a todas las ciudades y lugares a donde debía ir él” (Lucas 120,1-2).  Hay mucho trabajo por hacer, y espero que ustedes hayan sido elegidos para la misión del Sínodo. Cada diócesis tiene la responsabilidad de preparar sus misioneros.  Y estos, a la vez, de compartir la alegría del Reino. Se debe de compartir la felicidad, de saber que tenemos vida y salud y que nuestro nombre forma parte de la historia de salvación. “Alégrense no porque los espíritus se someten a ustedes, sino más bien porque sus nombres están escritos en los cielos” (Lucas 10,20). ©LPi