The Dream of Freedom - September 1
Today’s Readings - Psalm 26, 28; Job 12:1,13:3-17,21-27; Acts 12:1-17; John 8:33-47
I’ll admit I listen to a lot of books, possibly more than I actually read, which feels a bit like cheating. I read so much for study that when it comes to reading for pleasure, I’m out of time. So, a few years ago I began listening to books. The selection is wonderful and there are even great resources from the public library that cost absolutely nothing. I know for a fact it has saved me from expressing my impatience in traffic, in not so nice a manner, more than a few times.
Right now, I’m listening to Whistler, by Ann Patchett. One of the reoccurring themes has been the different ways that retirement tends to impact people. Some look forward to the freedom that retirement brings only to find that the so-called freedom of leaving a 9 to 5 job leaves some feeling adrift and no longer sure of their purpose. Others love working and work long past the age of retirement and seem to find more freedom in their ability to continue doing what they love. The perceived freedom of retirement for some is more like the wizard behind the curtain, once the curtain is pulled back it’s not what they had imagined it would be.
Jesus begins today’s gospel by addressing a group of Jews. In the face of their denial of ever having been slaves, he reminds them of their ancestors who were once enslaved. They seem to have forgotten the verses from Deuteronomy that remind them that once they had been slaves in Egypt. A reminder that the freedom that their ancestors enjoyed and that they have inherited was a gift from God.
It’s interesting how we view freedom. The idea of freedom can be encapsulated into vacation ads or promotions for a certain type of car. Or it’s seen as financial security, something that can be procured by years of hard work or through investment strategies. Vacations that eventually end and investment strategies that unfortunately can go south leaving us in worse financial shape than before.
The type of freedom Jesus is speaking of goes right over the heads of his listeners. They’re likely thinking of the heavy-handed way the Roman’s levy taxes or restrict wages; the idea that the slavery they are shackled with isn’t military rather that it’s sin isn’t in their lexicon.
The ways we may think of freedom are no less meaningless than the freedom these Jews believe they possess. There is not one of us who is not a sinner and thus not one of us who is not enslaved to sin. No matter how hard we try we are sinners and yet, we are also children of a God who sees us not as slaves but as beloved children. In our baptism we are washed with the blood of the Lamb, made free by the Son of Man, a freedom that can never collapse when the stock prices take a nosedive or when whatever dream we have of freedom fails us.
“36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” As someone who is as guilty as the rest - I’m currently in withdrawal from a few wonderful days away - I’m reminded as I hope you are that whatever our dream of freedom may be, be it retirement or a dream vacation, true freedom only comes from Christ. So, as you face your day, give thanks for the gifts we have, no matter how temporary in nature. Give thanks to a God who loves us, who forgives us, who sustains us and gives us the one true eternal freedom.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - What are some strategies for enjoying the temporary nature of our passing freedoms, without losing sight of their impermanence and where our true freedom lies?