Christian freedom is a gift that God offers us if we are open enough to receive it and willing to do some difficult emotional work. Paul offers us a powerful image of this freedom: he is actually imprisoned, and proclaiming that the chains cannot touch his heart, rising with Christ even while his body is held in chains. We all know incredible stories of people who have survived the unthinkable, risen above abuse, or walked through illness and death, and still held on to peace and joy. They can tell us about all the difficulties and rough parts, in addition to the grace that kept them going. Not all of us will have the miraculous healings of the lepers in the readings today, but all of us are offered healing, grace and freedom in the midst of trials. Will we ask for healing? Will we show up for counselling, go to rehab, do the physiotherapy, cooperate with treatment, and participate with the grace God is offering? Will we surrender ourselves to joy in prison if God’s plan doesn’t include freeing us from the chains just yet? The questions at the heart of the readings today are: “Do I want to be set free on God’s terms? Will I receive grace in the midst of my pain?”
Prayer: For freedom even in the midst of pain, we pray to the Lord.
Freeing Spirit, you have been sent directly into our most painful places, burning through our broken hearts. Help us to see and receive the grace that is offered in the midst of the situations we would rather avoid. Release our grip on the pain we feel, so our hands and hearts have room for the grace that will set us free, even in our chains. Amen.
Reflection: CCCB
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