Bishop Varden Explores "Becoming Free" at Vatican Spiritual Exercises
Bishop Erik Varden presented his fourth reflection at the Vatican's Spiritual Exercises, attended by Pope Leo XIV, Rome-based Cardinals, and Dicastery heads. The central theme of his address was "Becoming Free."
Varden noted that the concept of 'freedom' has become a subject of contention in public discourse. He stated that freedom is a universally desired good, leading to resistance against perceived threats to it, making the language of freedom a potent rhetorical tool.
He observed that claims of endangered freedom for specific groups often provoke immediate outrage online and can mobilize public gatherings.
Various political movements in Europe utilize freedom-related terminology, leading to tensions where one group's idea of liberation is viewed as oppressive by another. This creates conflicts stemming from differing concepts of freedom.
"The language of freedom is a potent rhetorical tool, leading to resistance against perceived threats and often provoking immediate outrage and mobilization online."
The Christian Definition of Freedom
This situation presents a challenge for Christians, necessitating a clear definition of freedom within a faith context. Varden referenced Bernard, who commented on the verse: 'For He has freed me from the snare of the hunters and from the bitter word.'
Bernard's view, according to Varden, is that true freedom is not inherent in humanity. He described what appears natural as the desire for self-satisfaction and unrestrained achievement.
Bernard characterized this human condition as a "beast for which captors’ snares are laid," implying a lack of genuine freedom.
Bernard considered humanity's tendency to repeatedly fall into familiar traps as evidence of being unfree and unable to independently pursue life's objectives, instead being prone to various obstacles and distractions.
Freedom Through Self-Sacrifice
Varden explained that Bernard based his understanding of freedom on Christ's acceptance of the Father's will. For Bernard, Christian freedom involves loving the world through self-sacrifice, in alignment with Christ, to achieve its liberation, rather than asserting power through force.
Varden urged caution when freedom is co-opted and manipulated by impersonal entities such as political parties or economic systems to legitimize actions. He emphasized that Christian thought holds that no oppressive policy can be justified by ideological claims of freedom. He stated that genuine freedom is personal and cannot negate another individual's freedom.
The Path of Enduring Suffering
Adhering to a Christian understanding of freedom, according to Varden, involves accepting pain. He clarified that Christ's instruction to 'Resist not evil' does not condone injustice but suggests that the pursuit of justice may sometimes be best served by enduring suffering and refraining from reciprocating force.
The model of freedom, Varden concluded, remains the Son of God, who "emptied Himself."