John 8:36
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Some people have the idea that sin is liberating and that we are most “authentic and natural” when we cut loose and sin to our heart’s content. Conversely, they have the idea that submission to God (particularly in the sacrament of confession) is restrictive, confining, and unreal. In fact, however, sin, though normal, is never natural. It always imprisons, always weakens, and always blights our joy, for it destroys nature. Paradoxically, it is submission to God and confession of sin that not only liberates but, in a certain sense, names us. For sin not only binds us, it makes us faceless. Great sinners tend to be great bores. That is why most people have never waded through the intensely dull pages of Mein Kampf. For the essence of sin is self-interest and the more obsessively focused on oneself a person is, the smaller and more boring they become, even if they succeed in huge crimes. In contrast, the saints are people of such astounding diversity that no one can keep track of them all. The reason they are diverse is that they are free. They have had the moxie to present their real face to Christ in baptism, prayer, and confession and say, “This is who I am. I have sinned.” In doing that, the Son has met them, and has set them free. Today, be like the saints and speak the truth about yourself, warts and all, to God. Christ wants to make you free indeed.
