Wednesday, XXIX Week of Ordinary Time
(Romans 6:12-18)
In the Letter to the Romans St. Paul deals with a question that plagues many people today. He knows that Christ has freed humans from the necessity of following the Law of Moses. The question that arises then concerns the extent of our freedom. If there is no law telling me contrary in any particular situation, we might ask, “Am I free to do what I want?” This situation mirrors what we might call “the crisis of freedom” in western society. Although there are plenty of laws, nevertheless freedom to do whatever brings one satisfaction is increasingly coveted. The situation has become critical because in the quest for freedom, many have forgotten their responsibilities.
Paul answers the question of being free to do whatever one likes negatively. He reasons that if there is a slavish attention to the Law, there is also a slavish freedom. People cannot stop themselves from doing what is harmful for themselves and others. We see this reality in addictions. Drug, sex, or alcoholics addicts hurt themselves and others. They did not have to involve themselves in these traps but chose to voluntarily. Likewise, they can opt out of the vices although doing so they will likely need some help.
Later theologians will clarify the nature of true freedom. It is not only a lack of restriction but also an orientation to do what is good. Paul awkwardly calls this freedom “becoming slaves of righteousness.” It consists of practicing virtue so that doing what is right becomes as natural as eating breakfast. True virtue requires effort. To play a Beethoven piano sonata naturally necessitates hundreds of hours of practice. Likewise, always providing a word of inspiration or extending a helpful hand requires repeated attempts not all of which hit the mark.
