Freedom is something that we have especially longed for during this pandemic.

We have been taught not to take it for granted and to cherish it. Two world wars were fought so that we could be free from tyranny and oppression, and there are far too many people in the world today being oppressed and persecuted. They are not allowed to live freely according to their beliefs, customs and aspirations. There are basic freedoms that ought to be enshrined in law such as, freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom of bodily integrity, freedom of thought and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. In 1941, President Franklin D. Rosevelt, gave what is now known as his Four Freedoms Speech, in which he proposed four fundamental rights that he believed the entire world should enjoy. These were: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. These thoughts have echoed down the years and are never more appropriate than today.

In the letter to the Romans, St Paul explains that he is not against law but that, if we follow Christ, we are free from the law. This does not mean that we disobey the law but that our standards are higher than the law. Paul has a battle going on in himself. He says: “So with my mind, I serve the Law of God, although my selfish desires make me serve the law of sin.” In chapter 8 verses 20/21 he says: “God made it in this way in the hope that creation would be free from decay and would share in the glorious freedom of his children.”

In the Gospel of St John, chapter 8 and verses 31/32, we read: “Jesus told the people who had faith in him, ‘if you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Sir Winston Churchill had a pet budgerigar – Toby – that travelled with him everywhere and was allowed much freedom. One day, while Sir Winston was staying in Monte Carlo, Toby flew out of the window into the bright beckoning sunshine – and never returned. His master reflected sadly, but philosophically, “Freedom is the birthright of all God’s creatures.”

Hymns:

Cry “Freedom!”, in the name of God, and let the cry resound;

Proclaim for all that freedom which in Jesus Christ is found,

For none of us is truly free while anyone is bound.

Cry “Freedom!” cry “Freedom!” in God’s name!

Cry “Freedom!” cry “Freedom!” in God’s name!

Cry “Freedom!” when we find ourselves

imprisoned in our greed,

to live in free relationship

and meet each other’s need.

From self, released for other’s good

we should be free indeed!

(Text: Michael Forster. b. 1946)

Efengyl tangnefedd, O rhed dros y byd

A deled y bobloedd i’th lewyrch i gyd;

Na foed neb heb wybod am gariad y groes,

A brodyr i’w gilydd fo dynion pob oes

Evengyl tangnefedd, dros rhagot yn awr,

A doed dy gyfiawnder o’r nefoedd i lawr,

Fel na byddo mwyach na dial na phoen

Na chariad at ryfel, ond refel y Oen

(Eifion Wyn. 1867-1926)

Prayers:

Restore me to liberty,

and enable me so to live now

that I may answer before you and before me.

Lord, whatever this day may bring,

your name be praised.

(Dietrich Bonhoeffer, written while awaiting execution in a Nazi prison.)

Diolch i ti O Dad nefol am rhyddid i fyw dan dy gyfraith di. Rho nerth i ni ddylin dy ewyllys fel byddwn byth yn dy wadu. Amen.

Rev John Powell,

Retired vicar of Cardigan.