“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The famous French philosopher Rousseau wrote, “Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.”  It is certainly true that we human beings, especially as we get older, can feel that we are imprisoned in all sorts of ways, even if not literally.

Adult life brings with it all sorts of commitments and cares.  Sometimes our human relationships can make us feel trapped.  We are joined to people by bonds of family and friendship and yet, when things are difficult, the situation can be one of imprisonment.

Our physical and mental health can also cause us to feel that we are not free.  Serious illness and disability can impose formidable restrictions on lifestyle.  Anxiety, depression and despair can cast people down and put a limit on choice of actions.

This weekend is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and St Paul, two great figures in the early Church, both of whom were imprisoned for their faith.  The readings speak to us very much of being captive, and being set free.

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Luke tells us about Peter being arrested and put in prison and then about his miraculous rescue, even though he was bound in chains and between two soldiers.  Peter says, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me…”

This idea continues in the refrain of the psalm, “From all my terrors the Lord set me free.”  And Paul, too, expresses a confidence faith that, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.”

The very human condition itself, of being a mortal creature, born in finite time and space, imposes limits: we know we are going to die.  The Lord offers to free us from death.  And finally, sin is one of our greatest captivities and once again I remind you that the Lord frees us from the captivity of sin in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  

God bless, Fr Kevin.