Meeting 1. - On the Essence of Freedom¶
Goal¶
An attempt to find answers to the questions:
How do I understand freedom? What is it?
Does free will = self-will?
Do I distinguish freedom from self-will?
How to find such a healthy approach to being free, does it mean total chaos and “do whatever you want”?
What is a transgression of freedom, i.e., de facto “liberation” from it?
Prayer¶
Prayer to the Holy Spirit asking for His light and guidance during these retreats. Prayer adapted to the group’s capabilities, but spontaneous prayer is suggested.
Introduction¶
The theme of the retreat is “Freedom”. This concept is very broad and leaves enormous room for interpretation. Therefore, in order to understand each other better, we will try to reflect on what freedom is for us? What is the definition of freedom that corresponds to our experience, worldview, faith…
What is freedom for me personally?¶
Note
In younger groups, before creating “individual definitions of freedom”, I suggest using the “sun” method by asking: “What does freedom remind me of?”. You can also (in case of difficulty defining this word) ask them to draw or otherwise express what they associate with the word freedom. And only then do we move on to creating individual definitions - as below.
Each group participant tries to write down their definition of freedom on a piece of paper. Then presents it to the group. The group together tries to reflect on what freedom is, or what it is not (if statements appear with which the rest of the group disagrees). Questions can be asked, but major discussions should not be conducted.
Warning
We do not create one definition of freedom for the whole group. Everyone should have “Their own” definition. Each participant has the right to their definition and no one should be persuaded to change their mind.
After all participants have spoken, we move on to the next part of the meeting, noting, however, that everyone can modify their definition during the meeting.
How does the Church understand freedom?¶
The Catechism gives the following definition of freedom:
Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or something else, and thus to perform voluntary actions by oneself. Through free will, everyone decides for themselves.”
—Catechism of the Catholic Church 1731
Do you agree with this definition? Is it complete?
So is any human action, the possibility of doing anything, always freedom?
Does freedom have its limits?
In subsequent points of the Catechism we gain additional guidance:
The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. True freedom is only freedom in the service of good and justice. The choice of disobedience and evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to “slavery to sin”.
—Catechism of the Catholic Church 1733
Freedom makes man responsible for his actions to the extent that they are voluntary. Progress in virtue, knowledge of good, and asceticism increase the mastery of the will over its actions.
—Catechism of the Catholic Church 1734
Does your definition of freedom require any supplementation?
Does the definition formulated in this way (Catechism) apply only to Catholics or only to Christians?
In this context, do I see the difference between freedom and self-will? (the boundary of sin, commandments, God’s law, responsibility for another person….)
Freedom and Self-Will¶
In the further part of the meeting, we will not avoid the concepts of “sin” and “commandments”. The concept of sin seems to limit our freedom, because sin is precisely what we are not allowed to do. God gave us commandments that begin with the words “you shall not”.
So did God take away our freedom in this way, which He previously gave us by creating us?
Is this true freedom, since the commandments dictate to us what we are allowed to do and what we are not allowed to do?
God gave us freedom, but He did not give us omnipotence. He reserved omnipotence for Himself. However, we have omnipotence promised by Satan, who tempts the first people:
God knows that when you eat fruit from this tree, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.
—Gen 3, 5
This promise of omnipotence - the possibility of doing everything, crossing boundaries, the desire to be like God - people called “freedom”.
Saint Paul in his letter writes:
“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.
—1 Cor 6, 12
How do I understand these words?
What slavery is Saint Paul talking about?
Note that Saint Paul writes here “everything is permissible for me,” not “I can do everything.” So there is a difference between having free will and being able to do everything. We cannot do everything - we have limited possibilities, i.e., we are not omnipotent. One should distinguish between “everything is permissible for me” and “I can do everything”.
So what can I not do even though it is permissible for me?
When making a choice, do I think about what the consequences might be?
In life, do I follow the attitude “I can” or rather “it is permissible for me”?
Below are a few more fragments from the New Testament on freedom and slavery.
Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
—Jn 8,34
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. […] Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. […] For sin shall not be your master. […] When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!
—Rom 6,7.12.14.20
Have I ever looked at my own freedom this way?
Do I have such an experience as Saint Paul writes about?
Participants’ Summary¶
At the beginning of the meeting, each of us created a definition of freedom. Let us now share whether we changed anything in these definitions? Did this meeting somehow change us, give us a different perspective on freedom?
Questions (without answers?)¶
Warning
Questions from the further part of the meeting are suggested to be left without answers in the group, so that each participant can face them themselves. However, remember that the animator has contact with the group and, if necessary, may decide otherwise.
It is very important to properly understand the difficult word “freedom” as distinct from the desire for omnipotence. Satan’s promise should be called the word “license”. This is an excellent word to describe man’s striving to decide what is good and what is evil, as the Serpent promised us in Paradise. Let us reserve the word “freedom” for describing the possibility of choosing what we truly desire most, in the deepest essence of our heart.
So how to distinguish freedom from the desire for omnipotence, from self-will? How to be a free person?
Let us read:
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
—Gal 5,1
Can I look at Jesus as a person through whom I can be free?
Or is God for me only a person who sets commands and prohibitions limiting my freedom?
Let us read:
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
—Jn 8,31
Do I try to know the truth about God and about myself?
In knowing the Truth, do I see the path to freedom?
Note
The last question is one of the most important questions of these retreats. It absolutely should not be omitted. If the group proves mature and open enough, you can try to share the answer to this question.
Prayer¶
Prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of freedom. Each participant can say (based on their definition) what exactly they are thanking for - for what freedom. What it is for them.