The Freedom to Be

Every year around this time Marfam carries some message about freedom since on April 27 we South Africans celebrate Freedom Day.

By the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus has given us freedom and a new life in him.

April hasn’t exactly become a whole month for freedom in South Africa in the way that February is for love and May for mothers. But maybe it should.

It is helpful to reflect on the real meaning of freedom. Is it freedom from or freedom for? Or maybe some of both would be most ideal.

However, the disrespectful way in which some of our politicians, university students and other social protesters have conducted themselves lately has displayed a freedom from a sense of respect for order and dignity, instead taking the freedom to express grievances couched in the language of demands.

No doubt transformation in our society is still highly necessary, but does that require the use of excrement thrown at statues or looting and senseless attacks on vulnerable foreigners? Does change and transformation in society worldwide require the kind of brutality that is meted out these days? Does this kind of implicit terrorism attract youth from around the world to join a so-called war?

At the same time we must ask: what is the degree of disillusionment and frustration they experience back home? What is behind this lack of order, dignity and respect?

I can’t help wondering what Jesus is thinking as he looks on the world he set free all those years go. Yes, there is great progress if there is at least a vision of a better quality of life for all. But would this be his way?

Maybe we sanitise the reality of his redemptive act too much. Setting us free was a horrible experience, yet one that resulted in new life, new hope and a new vision.

My Easter reflection on freedom and salvation puts my thoughts into words:

Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free.

What is freedom you may ask?

Is it free to be, free to love, to be loved and to want no more?

Is it free to belong, free to be cared for and to care

as you did for us all?

You, the saviour of all the world.

How will my freedom to be and love, like yours, involve the cross?

Will I have the strength, the hope and trust

in my Father and yours

so that relinquishing my freedom

and submitting my will to God

I will participate in your plan?

You, the saviour of all the world.

In our families we can reflect on the concept of freedom from the perspective of the April theme of “Commitment to God and Faith”. Can we consider what having freedom and yet relinquishing freedom and submitting to God’s will really mean, for couples, parents and children and the elderly too?

The reflective poem above was published in Family Matters magazine No 1 of 2015. Other daily reflections on faith and life can be found in the various Marfam publications and on www.marfam.org.za.

Marfam is committed to family support, education and enrichment. The issues raised in the questionnaire in preparation for the October Synod on the Family are by no means done with.

They are our issues on an ongoing basis. Did we express them freely as Pope Francis requested and do we see ourselves as free yet committed to build strong families and a transformed society?

May the gift and message of Easter continue to give us new life and set us free.