Freedom and the Grace of the Spirit
In Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans, freedom is described as the triumph over mortality and the power over death. It is intricately linked to the grace of the Spirit, who is seen as the source of all good things and the giver of life.
Liberation from Captivity
In Orthodox ascetic language, satisfying our needs and desires is not synonymous with freedom. Instead, it is connected to captivity and submission to our passions. Sin is not just about making evil choices, but also about the inability to make righteous choices. It is a state of being controlled by compulsions and habits, akin to addiction.
The Origin of Human Freedom
The opening chapters of Genesis reveal that humanity was created in the image and likeness of God. When God breathed life into Adam, he bestowed upon him a unique characteristic: freedom. This divine breath, identified as the Holy Spirit by the Church Fathers, sets humanity apart from the rest of creation.
The Essence of the Divine Image and Likeness
According to the Church Fathers, the freedom of Adam represents the content and essence of the divine image and likeness. The Holy Spirit, present wherever the Lord is, is the defining dimension of human freedom.
The Self-Emptying of God
Renowned theologian Vladimir Lossky explains that just as God emptied Himself in the incarnation, the Holy Spirit empties itself to dwell within humanity. Spontaneous acts of love and openness reflect the motivation and inspiration of God’s grace, revealing genuine freedom.
Freedom Filled with the Holy Spirit
We are most free when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, directing our will according to the grace of God. The action and activity of the Holy Spirit within and around us define true freedom. The Spirit empowers us to promote justice, proclaim freedom, and participate in the divine plan of healing and reconciliation.
Transforming the World through the Spirit
The Spirit of God enables us to respond to darkness, suffering, injustice, and evil in life-creating ways. As co-workers of God, we are called to work towards unity and maturity until the world is transformed into the kingdom of heaven and every activity manifests true life.
