We should be encouraged by Paul's proclamation, "For freedom Christ set us free." It calls us to authentic living.

Honestly speaking, everyone wants to be free. Some want to get out of a difficult situation at work, end an unfaithful and abusive marriage, or move onward with new opportunities. Others need to be free from poverty, injustice, and mental unwellness. Many desire freedom to change everyday routines and rekindle their life's purpose. And Christians want freedom from sin, particularly habitual ones, and death.

So, we turn to God and pray - to be free from these situations, burdens, challenges, and even difficult people. In Jesus, God reveals that freedom is for God and our neighbour. Only this kind of freedom allows us to live fully, serve generously, and, if necessary, live sacrificially for another to have life. This is Christian happiness.

Today Jesus reminds us how important this freedom is to be alive. His example of a Pharisee who has shackled himself to purification rites inordinately reminds us that our unfreedoms are potentially sinful and do not nourish life. The Pharisee is unfree to care for others and to be honest about himself. Hence Jesus' challenge is that he go inside himself and reclaim his God-given potential to love others. Then, he will be free to live more in God's likeness.