The LORD sets the prisoners free

The texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today have freedom as a theme. Paul writes about Onesimus who has been ministering to and with him during his imprisonment for the Gospel. On the return of Onesimus to Philemon, Paul pleads that he may be received as a brother rather than as a slave. The “freedom” is delayed and it comes after faith and hope have been a daily part of the live with Paul. The psalmist proclaims the nature of Divine Providence to set the prisoners free. The Gospel of Luke continues the revelation of the Kingdom of God in the intimate relationship with the Divine which is marked by the complete giving of Jesus to humanity. The wait will include the passion and death of Jesus humanity and the release of humanity to freedom in communion with the Divine.