Catholic life

What Is True Freedom? A Catholic Reflection

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Editor’s Note: Post originally published on July 7, 2025.

Each year on July 4th, Americans pause to celebrate a powerful ideal: freedom. Enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution are the freedoms of religion, speech, press, and peaceful assembly. These are no small matters; they’re essential to any flourishing civil society.

But beyond fireworks and parades, deeper questions remain. What exactly is freedom? Is it merely the right to do what we want? Or is there something more? What does freedom mean from a Christian perspective, and how do we live it in our daily lives?

Freedom To vs. Freedom From

Our culture often confuses two very different ideas of freedom. The first is freedom to do whatever we want—to chase every desire, express every opinion, follow every urge. Let’s call that negative freedom: the removal of restrictions. But there’s another kind of freedom: positive freedom, which is the ability to choose the good. Not just to act, but to act rightly.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains it like this:

“Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility. By free will one shapes one’s own life.” (CCC 1731)

Put simply: freedom is not about license. It’s about love.

The Wound of Sin and the Hope of Redemption

Of course, we all know that our freedom is wounded. The Catechism puts it bluntly:

“Man’s freedom is limited and fallible. In fact, man failed. He freely sinned. By refusing God’s plan of love, he deceived himself and became a slave to sin.” (CCC 1739)

Sin tricks us. It whispers, You’re free when you follow your impulses. But we know where that leads: addiction, broken relationships, pride, despair. Yet even in that brokenness, God does not abandon us.

In Christ, we discover what true freedom looks like:

“In him we have communion with the ‘truth that makes us free.’” (CCC 1741)

And Jesus doesn’t mince words:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Freedom

John Paul II: Freedom Anchored in Truth

Saint Pope John Paul II, in Redemptor Hominis and Redemptoris Missio, tackled this very issue. He reminds us that the Cross is the fullest expression of divine love. The redemption Christ won for us is the restoration of freedom—not freedom from suffering or sacrifice, but freedom for love and truth.

“He and he alone also satisfied that fatherhood of God and that love which man in a way rejected by breaking the first Covenant…” (Redemptor Hominis, 9)

Freedom is a gift, but it must be received rightly:

“Freedom is only a gift if one knows how to use it for everything that is true good.” (Redemptor Hominis, 21)

In short: Freedom finds its fulfillment not in self-expression but in self-gift.

Wrestling with Freedom in Daily Life

I don’t write these reflections as someone who’s mastered the art of holy freedom. Quite the opposite. I wrestle daily with control, pride, and anxiety. My OCD has often convinced me that peace lies in organizing my inbox or cleaning the kitchen to perfection. And for a brief moment, that illusion holds. But inevitably, my self-made “freedom” crashes against reality. Usually, it’s in the form of a diaper blowout or a child needing my attention.

When my comfort is disrupted, I’m forced to choose again. Will I insist on my version of freedom? Or will I surrender?

Confession has been a powerful reset for me. So has the Eucharist. Grace doesn’t magically remove my tendencies, but it does remind me that I’m not alone. And that I don’t need to save myself.

Discernment: Choosing What God Wants

Living in a culture of endless options can leave us paralyzed. Sometimes freedom feels like a burden. Too many roads. Too many doors. But Catholic spirituality gives us a compass: discernment.

Discernment, as St. Ignatius of Loyola taught, is about listening. Clarifying, not inventing, what God is already inviting us into. His Spiritual Exercises culminate in a radical prayer of surrender called the Suscipe:

Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will…

It’s not a sentimental gesture. It’s a battle cry against the tyranny of self-will. It’s the only sane response to the insane love of God who gave us everything, including the freedom to reject Him.

As Amy Welborn explains, Ignatius believed love is better shown in deeds than in words. True love involves a mutual exchange of gifts. The Suscipe is a prayer of detachment from anything that would keep us from living in total communion with God. And this detachment isn’t just for monks and nuns. It’s for every soul God made—parents, teachers, artists, mechanics, children.

When we pray this way, we’re not forfeiting freedom. We’re finally using it well.

Mary: Model of Free Surrender

One of the most beautiful images of holy freedom is the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation. When the angel Gabriel presented God’s plan to her, she paused, asked a clarifying question, and then said the most earth-shattering “yes” in human history:

“Be it done unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)

St. Josemaría Escrivá reflected on this moment, writing:

“This is the fruit of the best freedom of all, the freedom of deciding in favor of God.”

Mary didn’t choose ease. She chose love. She shows us that the highest use of freedom is surrender, not in defeat but in trust.

True Freedom Begins with Christ

There are two extremes we must avoid. One is the belief that we can save ourselves by sheer effort—Pelagianism. The other is presumption, the belief that Christ will save us no matter what and our choices don’t matter. Both are lies.

The truth is that we are free. And Christ, in love, respects our freedom enough to invite, not coerce. As John Paul II said:

“Faith demands a free adherence on the part of man, but at the same time faith must also be offered to him.” (Redemptoris Missio, 8)

That means each moment, each decision, each act of love or resistance to sin becomes an opportunity to use our freedom well.

It also means that freedom isn’t found in escaping our limits. It’s found in choosing the good, even when it’s hard. Even when it costs.

A Prayer for the Journey

So what do we do with our freedom? We offer it back to the One who gave it. As St. Ignatius prayed:

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
 my memory, my understanding, and my entire will,
 all that I have and possess.
 You have given all to me.
 To you, O Lord, I return it.
 All is yours; dispose of it wholly according to your will.
 Give me your love and your grace, for this is sufficient for me.
 – St. Ignatius of Loyola

This is not a prayer of defeat. It is a declaration of trust, hope, and love—the freedom that only Christ can give.

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A 747 Word Interview about the Sainthood Video Game

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Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Bisong Taiwo via phone call on June 21st, 2025. Interview originally published on July 2nd, 2025. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given. 

“Sainthood” is such a unique blend of cozy gameplay and Catholic spirituality. What inspired you to create a strategy game rooted in faith and virtue?

Well, I looked around and I couldn’t find anything that I could be proud of my faith in the game industry. The games I found where Christianity was present was either a parody or present as a conquering mechanic in those games.

I wanted to create a game that helped people pray and serve their community. And to remind the players the core tenets of Christianity.

The game invites players to grow in both Faith and Charity. How did you decide which Catholic practices and values to weave into the core mechanics of gameplay?

In the game, you pray the Rosary, attend Mass, and unlock Saints from all over the world. The game takes place in my home continent of Africa, and the way Christianity got brought to Africa was a bit unique. The game takes place in the 1500s in the Kingdom of Kongo (not to be confused with present-day Congo), so I tried to stay true to the historicity of Catholicism of that era. 

You’ve included 25 real-life saints from across the globe. How did you choose which saints to feature, and what do you hope players take away from learning about them?

That was interesting! I wanted to tackle it. Due to Catholic media, I was mostly familiar with European saints. I went to each continent and picked a few unique stories that I found interesting. The Church is global and I thought it was cool to take saints from around the world to represent the catholicity/universality of our faith. 

The game hints at mystery and spiritual discovery—uncovering the island’s past and the player’s purpose. How does that narrative tie into Catholic themes of vocation, discernment, or the universal call to holiness?

There is a very hidden story, which I can’t spoil. The prioress in the convent who you talk to every day in the game gives you speeches about how to grow your faith in times of hardship. There’s a lot of hardship on this island. I constructed this prioress to give you life lessons, who journeys with you, but also gives you these funny stories. She’s an interesting character who I have never seen on television and definitely not in video games.

Many Catholic parents and educators are always on the lookout for faithful digital media. How do you see Sainthood fitting into the broader conversation about wholesome, mission-driven entertainment?

The reality of the situation is that video games are the dominant form of entertainment for this generation. A lot of kids are playing Fortnite or Roblox. For me it’s an opportunity to bring the faith to this generation. The game has to be entertaining, beautiful, and has to have great graphics. This game is a way to make the faith more compelling to the youth. Video games are part of the culture. Sainthood was created to be a part of this culture and to bring the Gospel to this generation through this type of entertainment.

What’s been the most surprising or rewarding feedback you’ve received from Catholic (or even non-Catholic) players?

I love reading reviews! That’s the primary source of knowing how it’s doing. Some people have purchased the games on multiple platforms. Some people aren’t Catholic but they mentioned how they love Christian games. And some reviewers aren’t even Christians and still say they value the concept of service within the game. 

Any plans for expansions or future Catholic games?

This is always a tricky one, it’s a good question. It depends on what the Lord has in store for me. I would say that if there are any business partners to be made (schools for example) that would be the way to go for expansions. 

I do have a prayer mode in the game. It is separate from the main story, but I have wanted to add more prayers in this mode. Currently, I have the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. 

I think it would make more sense to branch out to different genres of games. Sainthood is a strategy game. There’s many different genres and thousands of Saints to feature in different games. 

Saints are a big part of our Catholic tradition and there’s so many I would love to bring to the forefront. 

Where is the best place for my readers to find Sainthood and learn more? 

Sainthoodgame.com and there’s a new Catholic word game I created. Check out Saintly — Find Today’s Saint!

About Bisong:

Bisong Taiwo is a filmmaker, software developer, and game designer. Born in Nigeria and currently based in Canada, he has worked across the mobile games, indie film, and tech industries, contributing to a range of projects either as a solo director or as part of a collaborative team. At his core, Bisong is a passionate gamer with a deep love for all kinds of games.

While most strategy games emphasize combat, Bisong is drawn to designing altruistic strategy experiences that focus on helping and serving others rather than conquering or controlling them. His most recent game, Sainthood, exemplifies this vision. As Director, Designer, Writer, and Programmer on the project, he led a small team of contractors to bring the game to life. Sainthood was partially funded by the Xbox Developer Acceleration Program and has received strong reviews and ratings on both the Steam and Xbox stores, resonating with religious and secular audiences alike.

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A Cup of Cold Water: Serving Christ in the Little Ones

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Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

A reflection on the Gospel of Matthew 10:37-42

Dear Friends in Christ,

There’s a house on the edge of town, old but warm, with wide porches shaded by tall trees. In it live Mary and Joseph—an older couple, married nearly fifty years. Their children are grown, the rooms are mostly empty, but their hearts have only grown larger with the years. They’ve made a quiet promise to God: if someone is lost, hurting, or needs a place to begin again, their home will be open.

One winter, a man named Tom came knocking. He’d once worked with Joseph, years ago, when things were easier. But Tom’s world had unraveled—alcoholism, a painful divorce, and now, jobless, he was left with two small children and nowhere steady to go. He was ashamed to ask for help, but Joseph and Mary didn’t hesitate. They welcomed him and his children in. Mary cooked warm meals; Joseph sat with Tom late into the night, listening, praying, helping him plot a way forward. For months, Tom lived in that house. The children slowly smiled again. Tom found sobriety, and eventually, work. He moved out, but he never forgot the gift of shelter and hope—given not because he could repay it, but because he was in need.

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The Power of Gratitude: Finding Strength and Perspective

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Gratitude is a powerful force that shields us from negativity and fuels our spirits with renewed energy. In this blog post, we will explore the profound impact of gratitude on our lives. We’ll also look at and how Catholics draw inspiration from the sacrament of the Eucharist. Translated from the Greek word “Eucharista,” meaning Thanksgiving, the Eucharist embodies the concept of gratitude. We will dive into how practicing gratitude unburdens us from life’s struggles and cultivates a mindset that fosters empathy and recognizes the presence of God.

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Choosing Christ Over Treasure: Walking the Way, the Truth, and the Life

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Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

A reflection on the Gospel of Matthew 10:26-33

Dear Friends in Christ,

Imagine a man named Jose, standing at a crossroads in his life. After years of hard work, Jose suddenly loses his job. He’s anxious about his future, not knowing how he’ll provide for his family. Friends and colleagues gather around him, each offering their advice—some well-meaning, some not so much. “Jose, you just have to do whatever it takes to make money,” one says. “Forget about your scruples. In this world, you have to chase after gold and treasure, or you’ll be left behind. Cut corners if you need to. That’s how people get ahead.”

Jose listens, but deep down, he feels unsettled. He remembers how fulfilled he felt working at the parish food pantry, helping families in need and comforting the lonely. He isn’t sure that chasing money at all costs is the answer. Instead, he feels drawn to serve, to lift others up, and to find meaning in loving his neighbor. Yet, the pressure mounts. Bills don’t pay themselves. The voices pushing him towards worldly success grow louder, and Jose finds himself torn between the world’s promises and the quiet tug of his conscience.

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Saint John the Baptist: The Humble Harbinger to Jesus

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Every year on June 24, the Church celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist. That alone makes him remarkable. Aside from the Blessed Virgin Mary, John is the only saint whose birth the Church celebrates in the liturgy.

Yet John’s uniqueness began long before his birth.

The Gospel tells us that when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy at the presence of Jesus (Luke 1:41). Long before he preached in the wilderness, baptized in the Jordan, or pointed crowds toward the Messiah, John recognized Christ. In a sense, the first person to acknowledge Jesus as the Savior was an unborn child.

John’s entire life would follow that same pattern. He existed to point beyond himself and toward Christ. Even his name reflected God’s plan. Saint John Paul II noted that the name John means “God is benevolent.” Through John the Baptist, God prepared His people for the coming of His Son and revealed His desire to save the world.

The feast of Saint John the Baptist is therefore much more than a celebration of an extraordinary birth. It invites us to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation and on the man chosen to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.

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When God Writes Straight on Crooked Lines

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“All Things Work Together for Good”

By: Mauro Russo

The Lord carries out his plans through our lives without ever cancelling our will or our freedom. Starting from this truth, the words of the Apostle Paul ring out as an absolute certainty: “All things work together for good for those who trust in the Lord.” (Romans 8:28)

This is why even the most tragic of our stories, however irreparable it may seem, the Lord always has the power to turn into something beautiful.

But this is not an abstract promise. It is a promise that Scripture has already proven, more than once, in ways no one could have imagined.

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