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
Notes for this Weekend
Our two new Priests will have meet with Parishioners in the Madonna Plaza at the end of each Mass on Sunday.
Welcome
Welcome to our Eucharistic Celebration on this Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few,” Jesus laments in today’s Gospel. Indeed, the kingdom of God is full of plenty, but always there are opportunities to build it up in the way we bring God’s love to others. Nourished in the Word and the Eucharist, we go forth to labor for the kingdom. This weekend, we also celebrate the anniversary of our country’s founding, appreciative of what we have while we labor to build a more perfect union. May our labors on behalf of God and country be blessed and fruitful.
The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and...
Please stand for our procession.
Universal Prayer
A. For all Christians during this “Forward in Mission” Jubilee Year, that at the command of Jesus and following the example of the seventy-two, we proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of God in word and deed, let us pray to the Lord.
B. For our nation, that we may truly provide liberty and justice for all, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For those who are traveling, that they may be kept safe, and for those offering hospitality, that they may know the blessings of their generous ministry, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For our faith community, that we may witness to the kingdom of God when we leave this place by feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the ill, and visiting the imprisoned, so that next week we may return rejoicing, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts; for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
1. The Parish office will be closed this Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We also will not have confession or adoration on this day, but will continue to celebrate Mass at 8am and 5pm as usual.
2. We will begin Youth Confirmation registrations next Sunday, at 9am in the St. Joseph Hall.
3. Please join us in welcoming our new priests, Father Arturo and Father Kamile, after Mass in the Madonna Plaza.
