Love Gives Freedom

In light of the readings, this is a strange theme. In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that those who love him will keep (obey) his word. (Jn 14:23) In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul states the love of Christ "constrains" him. (2 Cor 5:14) The word is used in the sense of being held prisoner. Here, the love shown by Christ has caused Paul to live no longer for himself, but for Christ who died for him. The freedom that Paul might talk about is not freedom to do as he wants, but to do as Christ requires. The is the same freedom that Jesus offers. The oppression that most people experience is that of being dictated to by their own desires. Jesus offers us freedom from our own self oppression when we accept him as Lord. Max.