This week, our country will come together to celebrate family, faith, and freedom.
As we prepare to join in the Independence Day festivities, it is important to acknowledge and express gratitude for the gifts we have been given as citizens of the United States of America. Specifically, we want to reflect on the great gift of freedom. As Americans, we are not only physically free, but are able to think independently, practice our faith, and seek truth, the value of which cannot be overstated.
But what does spiritual and intellectual freedom look like? According to the saints, freedom requires trust, openness, and willingness to give everything to God.
Check out these 7 powerful saint quotes on freedom:
“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” St. Pope John Paul II
“Freedom is an extremely precious value, for which a high price must be paid. It requires generosity and readiness for sacrifice; it requires vigilance and courage in the face of internal and external forces that threaten it. … There is no freedom without sacrifice.” St. Pope John Paul II
“Consider now the sublime moment when the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary the plans of the Most High. Our Mother listens, and asks a question to understand better what the Lord is asking of her. Then she gives her firm reply: Fiat! Be it done unto me according to thy word! This is the fruit of the best freedom of all, the freedom of deciding in favor of God.” St. Josemaria Escriva
"Anyone who seeks truth seeks God, whether or not he realizes it." St. Edith Stein
“Oh, God, to know you is life. To serve You is freedom. To praise you is the soul’s joy and delight. Guard me with the power of Your grace here and in all places. Now and at all times, forever. Amen.” St. Augustine of Hippo
“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day.” Saint Gianna Molla
“Enlighten us, O my Saviour, that we may see what we are attached to and please set us in the freedom of the children of God.” – St Vincent de Paul
We pray that these quotes help you to reflect on the gift of freedom this 4th of July!
