Be Filled

This episode we continue our conversation on human freedom. Today we look at the Church’s definition of freedom found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We share our own personal experience and discuss John Paul II’s view of freedom. 

Quotes: 

God created man a rational being, conferring on him the dignity of a person who can initiate and control his own actions. “God willed that man should be ‘left in the hand of his own counsel,’ so that he might of his own accord seek his Creator and freely attain his full and blessed perfection by cleaving to him.”  Man is rational and therefore like God; he is created with free will and is master over his acts. (CCC #1730)

Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility. By free will one shapes one’s own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude. (CCC #1731) 

“If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32) 

Reflection Questions: 

1. What impacted you most in this episode? 

2. Have you ever considered your relationship to God as analogous to the relationship between spouses? What are your thoughts about this idea? 

3. Would you say that you are freely and without reservation “cleaving” to your Creator? What might that look like for you? 

4. What kind of person do you want to be? Do your actions coincide with the vision you have for yourself? Ask God for the grace to see who He wants you to be and ask him, boldly, for the grace to live that vision out. 

5. Reflect on the definition of freedom found in the Catechism. What are your thoughts? How is this definition different from what we see in the secular world? 

6. What are some barriers to your freedom? Have you had experiences that have wounded your ability to freely choose the good? Sit with these wounds and ask the Lord for deeper healing. 

7. When have you felt the most free in your life?

8. Our ability to notice our feelings and invite God into difficult moments is something that sets us apart from other creatures. Could you relate to the experiences shared in the podcast? 

9. How has the gospel been presented to you? Has it been coercive or persuasive? 

10. Are there any “pebbles” in your shoe? Where do you sense the Lord calling you to be open to change? Pray with whatever feelings are coming up and ask God to meet you there. 

If you have any questions or comments for us, we can be reached by e-mail at befilledpodcast@gmail.com. We are also on Instagram and Facebook! We would love to hear from you!