Benedict XVI speaks about true freedom as spending oneself in the service others

Rome, Italy, Jul 1, 2007 / 08:38 am

The Holy Father spoke on the theme of freedom in his Regina Caeli address in Rome today.  Taking on modern man’s belief that the true expression of freedom is freedom from any moral laws or obligations, Benedict taught that true freedom lies in placing oneself at the service of the others.

Jesus Christ, the Holy Father stated, showed his freedom when, “He resolutely set his face towards Jerusalem.”  In this, Benedict commented, we see Jesus’ freedom, who, “freely chooses to go to the cross.”

“Jesus fully realizes his freedom by obeying the Father.  He lived his freedom…as service.”

Many people today choose to keep their life for themselves, and ironically, lose it out of fear of giving it away. “He who spends himself in the service of other finds himself full of energy and vitality,” the Holy Father said.

For this, listening to the voice of God is essential: “To live according to the Spirit is to let oneself be guided by the intentions and love of God.”

“It may seem a paradox that the Lord expressed the height of his freedom on the cross.  He shows his status as Son by remaining on the cross,” out of love for men.

After the angelus, the Holy Father asked for prayers for those who suffer at the hands of guerrillas in Colombia, remembering specifically the eleven persons who had been kidnapped and held hostage for the past five years in that country, and were recently killed.

The Pope denounced such “inadmissible forms of violence” and prayed for peace.