Freedom

February 13, 2016

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.

Galatians 5:13

I have begun to work with a not-for-profit, registered charity in Halifax, Nova Scotia called the Halifax Community Chaplaincy Society (HCCS). We are an organization that helps ex-prisoners reintegrate back into community. This is a deepening in my sense of calling to follow Jesus. (I may write about that sometime)

Over the past few years I have been working with people on the margins of what we would consider mainstream society. Although some of these people on the margins are visible to us daily I have come to appreciate some of the tremendous complexities that have created and perpetuate this reality.

Just about daily I experience my many limitations. I am part of the whole working of the entire machine of domination which perpetuates the norm; a norm with an emphasis on material wealth which seems to take a toll on the mental and spiritual health of many in our society.  I have come to see that my limitations are not necessarily a bad thing because they have allowed me to emphasize an authenticity in my relationships which is not motivated by ‘fixing’ but by simply being in relationship.

Not everyone is called to work on the streets but every one of us is called to be in relationship with someone. Who is that someone for you? How is your relationship?

I work alongside a man I have come to admire. Paul Holmes began the Grace Street Mission on Gottingen Street about ten years ago. He told me that in his early months of working on the street he was motivated by “Bringing Christ to these people”. When he saw the face of Christ in a man passed out in a corner he was initially shocked but came to realize that they were actually bringing Christ to him. Much changed in his outlook and his focus. He became much less task oriented and far more relationship oriented. The rest seems to take care of itself as he welcomes anyone and everyone into his little mission. Bible study is powerful at the mission!

I have come to see that God identifies with people who are hurting, locked in cycles of shame, guilt and fear. God frees. Freedom is a great gift not to be squandered.

How do we identify with God as our supporting, liberating presence? Does this freedom give us the opportunity for self-indulgence or self-giving?

In faith, hope and love.

Rob