February 25, 2024
By Father Emmanuel Alfonso SJ
The Journey Towards True Freedom
Are we truly free? This was the central question posed by Pope Francis in his Lenten message: “Through the desert, God leads us to freedom.” As we commemorate the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, we are reminded that freedom is not merely the absence of oppression but a continuous struggle towards truth and justice.
Freedom: The Ultimate Gift of God
From the time of Moses to Jesus Christ, God’s primary mission has been to grant us freedom. In Exodus, God hears the cry of the Israelites and liberates them from Egyptian bondage. In the New Testament, Christ declares His mission: “I have come to give sight to the blind, to make the lame walk, and to set the captives free.” (Luke 4:18)
However, do we truly cherish the freedom God has given us? In the aftermath of the 1986 revolution, some argue that democracy has led to disorder, preferring authoritarian rule over liberty. Yet Pope Francis reminds us: “God doesn’t need subjects but sons and daughters.” Our call is to embrace freedom—not just political or social freedom, but most importantly, freedom from sin and oppression.
Recognizing the Chains That Bind Us
One of the most dangerous realities of oppression is that we sometimes fail to recognize it. Pope Francis compares this to the Israelites who spent 430 years in Egypt without seeking liberation. Pharaoh blinded them with wealth and security, making them believe they were free. Similarly, during Martial Law, propaganda and media manipulation led many to believe in a so-called “golden age.”
Even today, many remain captive to disinformation. Social media has become a battlefield where history is rewritten, and truth is distorted. How do we help our fellow Filipinos see reality? Pope Francis reassures us that even when we fail to recognize our chains, God takes the initiative to free us. However, we must open our eyes and hearts to His guidance.
The Road to Freedom is Not Easy
Freedom is not achieved overnight. Like the Israelites who wandered in the desert for 40 years, we, too, must undergo purification. The struggle is real—38 years after EDSA, many Filipinos remain poor, divided, and disillusioned. According to a recent SWS survey, 47% of Filipinos still consider themselves poor.
Pope Francis emphasizes that “The call to freedom is a demanding one. It is not answered straightaway; it has to mature as part of a journey.” We must endure the trials of the desert before reaching the Promised Land. This means deepening our faith, purging ourselves of false beliefs, and committing to justice and truth.
Beyond Surface-Level Faith and Patriotism
True freedom requires depth—both in our faith and in our love for our country. Pope Francis warns against superficial religiosity, likening it to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Likewise, patriotism should not be seasonal or based solely on election campaigns. True love for the nation means committing to justice beyond political cycles.
As Filipinos, we must ask ourselves: Are we willing to embrace the sacrifices needed for real change? Are we willing to stay and fight for our country despite its challenges? The journey to freedom demands purification, perseverance, and genuine commitment.
The Promise of Hope
Despite the struggles, the Israelites eventually reached the Promised Land—not because of their own strength but because of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Pope Francis reassures us: “God has not grown weary of us.” No matter how difficult the road ahead, our hope lies in Him.
Moreover, we are not alone in this journey. The Church calls us to synodality—to walk together in faith and solidarity. With God’s grace and each other’s support, we can continue our pursuit of genuine freedom.
As Father Manoling Francisco’s song reminds us, “In Him alone is our hope.” And as we walk this path together, let us hold hands, stand firm, and move forward towards true freedom.
Amen.
Society of Jesus' social apostolate 