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Freedom in Christ

6/24/2016

 
​Saint Paul, in Chapter 5 of the letter to the Galatians, speaks of freedom and calls for total commitment to Christ which is to be lived in total freedom. Many people don’t understand the nature of the freedom of which he speaks, so here’s a short summary on the nature of our freedom in Christ. 
 
We were created in the image and likeness of God. We were free. We fell from this original state of grace and entered into the fallen state of by original sin, which in their birth, no person escapes. Due to original sin, we, in our fallen state are inclined to sin. Christ died to set us free from sin. If I have died in Christ then I rise in Christ, freed to fulfill the call to holiness. To remain free and unbound by sin, we need grace.
 
Nature of Our Freedom
  • Freedom is limited precisely because the human is a limited being. 
  • Freedom is rooted in the truth about man, and it is ultimately directed towards communion. 
  • Freedom is ‘for’
  • Freedom is not ‘from’ 
 
Created in the image and likeness of God, we have a deep desire to know and a great capacity to understand. Freedom in fact, pre supposes Knowledge of the Truth (“the truth will set you free” John 8:32) and ignorance is an obstacle to freedom. We need God’s grace to be and to remain free.
 
Grace allows for the full exercise of human freedom, the proper use of which, enables a person to gradually align his will with God’s. As this happens, a person experiences increased perfection of intellect, allowing him to determine good from evil and free will increases in ability to Choose between Good and Evil. As the person chooses more frequently the good, they increase in perfection. However, continued choosing of evil increases the chains of sin that bind and further disables the person from recognizing, choosing and being able to do the good.
 
God’s created us Free and in Christ, God frees us once more.  We cannot blame God for the human evils that find their origins in the abuse of our freedom. We are not puppets on a sting attached to a stick in the hand of God.  Original freedom and freedom in Christ is Never Free from Responsibility. To abuse our freedom is to sin because in doing so, we are acting contrary to our nature which is against the will of God. Human freedom is ordered toward good, it is rooted in the moral obligation to do the good.
 
To understand more about Grace: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c3a2.htm
 
To understand more about Freedom: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a3.htm


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    About...

    Fr. Blair Gaynes has been in the Diocese since 2008.

    In 2011 I began work with Campus Ministry in the Jacksonville area and after being Ordained in 2012 I was appointed as chaplain/director of Campus Ministries in the Duval County and surrounding area.  

    During this time I was also serving as parochial vicar at Resurrection and Blessed Trinity Catholic Churches.

    In 2017 I was appointed Pastor of the Basilica Parish in Jacksonville, while continuing Campus Ministry. 

    I have 
    over 35 years experience in youth and young adult work in social services, education, parish and campus ministry fields.  As well as experience as a spiritual director, retreat master and keynote speaker.

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  • Home / Página de inicio
    • Mass Intentions / Candles / Flowers
    • Parish Registration / Registro y Stewardship
    • Parish Property Use Request
    • Worship Aid / Bulletin / Homilies
  • Capital Campaign
    • Parish Vision 2020-2024 >
      • 2017 - 2021
      • Parish Plan
      • Phase 1: Adoration Chapel
      • Phase 2a: Organ Restoration
      • Phase 2b: Rectory / Office Reno
      • Phase 3: Church Reno / Repair
      • Cathedral District Jax
      • About the Church >
        • Church Tours >
          • Exterior Tour
          • Interior Tour
          • Window Tour
  • Sacraments / Sacramentos
    • Faith Formation & Education / Formación de fe / educación
    • Mass & Adoration / Misa y adoración
    • Baptism / Sacramento del Bautismo
    • Reconciliation / Confession
    • First Reconciliation & First Communion
    • Confirmation
    • RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
    • Marriage: Unique for a reason >
      • So You Want to Get Married?
  • About the Parish
    • Pastoral Leadership, Staff & Ministries
    • Fellowship & Ministry >
      • Ministerio Hispano Y Grupos
    • Photo Gallery
  • Contact
  • CCM Jax
    • CCM-Jax Registration
    • Calendar
    • CCM-JAX Media Gallery
    • CCM Groups / Forms