Real Freedom

     I would like to share the Scripture reflection that I wrote this weekend for the Diocesan Web Site.

     With the Fourth of July this week, we are already into the freedom mode.  We prepare to celebrate our Freedom from tyranny as we commemorate the Declaration of Independence that our Founding Fathers boldly proclaimed on July 4, 1776.  Ever since that day, we have cherished our freedom.

     Our Gospel passage from Matthew reminds us, though, that true freedom can only be ours when we are "yoked" to Christ and willing to carry His "burden".  "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."  The yoke is meant to give guidance and direction and oneness of purpose.  The team of oxen or horses plowing, for instance, would not work together or travel in the same direction without being "yoked".   And the burden they bear, the plow or wagon they pull, is necessary for the work to be accomplished.

     We are yoked to Christ.  It is His Spirit that unites us for one purpose, the praise of God, and directs us in the work at hand.  That work is to bear the light burden of the love of Christ for the world in which we live and for all those entrusted to our care.  When we trust Him, are united with Him, allow His Spirit to empower us to do the will of the Father, we are truly free - as Paul reminds us today in Romans " ... if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

     We give praise to the Father in our worship and in our lives lived well in freedom.  We approach our God with the openness and trust of children, for our God's power rests in His love rather than might, His purpose is to give life and freedom rather than reign death, destruction and subjugation.  For as the psalmist says "The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works.  The Lord lifts up those who are falling and raises up those who are bowed down."  The Lord is our king and our God, deserving of our praise forever.

     Celebrate your Freedom by acknowledging you Dependence.  Have a wonderful Fourth of July.