The Freedom of God's Laws
February 24th Readings Reflection: Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Today’s Epistle from the Book of Deuteronomy tells of the spiritual rewards we shall receive if we remain faithful to God’s laws: “[P]rovided you keep all [God’s] commandments, [H]e will then raise you high in praise and renown and glory above all other nations [H]e has made, and you will be a people sacred to the Lord, your God, as [H]e promised.”
In the modern and post-modern ages, there has been a tendency to reject authority and laws as restrictions of our freedom. Pope Benedict XVI spoke extensively about this erroneous mentality, which he called a “dictatorship of relativism.” In one homily that he gave on the topic, the then-cardinal said, “[A] mature adult faith is deeply rooted in friendship with Christ. It is this friendship that opens us up to all that is good and gives us a criterion by which to distinguish the true from the false, and deceipt [sic] from truth” (Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice, 18 April 2005).
This intimate friendship with Christ leads us to a true freedom whereby we are able to distinguish right from wrong, true from false, good from evil. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church succinctly states, “The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes” (CCC § 1733). When we choose evil rather than good, we weaken and sometimes even destroy our friendship with God; in this way, we limit our freedom by making ourselves slaves to sin and to our passions.
We can only reside in friendship with God when we possess the life of His grace in our souls. Venial sin weakens this grace, and mortal sin destroys it completely, making our souls spiritually dead. Just as an extinguished fire can no longer produce any heat, so too a soul that is spiritually dead through mortal sin can no longer possess any relationship with God. For this reason, St. Paul warned us that anyone who receives Holy Communion in the state of mortal sin “shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord” (1 Cor 11:27 DRB). Such a soul first needs the graces of a good Confession to restore the life of grace before receiving Holy Communion again.
Returning to today’s Epistle, the blessings promised in return for keeping God’s commandments are all effects of possessing sanctifying grace in our souls. Souls in the state of grace share in God’s very nature, possessing a freedom that stems from their friendship with Christ. God’s laws are not designed to limit our freedom but rather to guide us in the path of truth, wherein genuine freedom is found. May God give us the grace to always recognize the true freedom that His laws give, and may we seek to always live in His friendship in the state of grace.
Thank you. This is wonderful. If only everyone could understand this.
Thank you so much for the advice! I agree that scheduling a designated time is key. Especially with the weight of schoolwork, I can see that your personal writings will end up being pushed under the rug lol.
That’s neat that your a college student, I’m not ready for that work load yet (feeling that each year rises a degree). But good for you and I will pray that your academic journey will be less rocky and more enjoyable :)
Thank you for the 2nd piece of advice. I’m very much an over thinker and will go all into anything I start. So knowing to take it slow and not overwhelming myself is what’s going to keep me afloat.
I appreciate your time and guidance, Chantal! It means more than you know. Especially for a newbie like me. Hope you publication continues to flourish and reach many readers.