The Truth Will Set You Free: Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

These gates open wide toward the Tagus River in Lisbon.
They speak of freedom, of crossing into something spacious and true.
Like the truth Jesus offers us. Open. Not controlling. Not demanding, Deeply kind.

Jesus says:

“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-42

Truth and Freedom

The Gospel of John always returns to the themes of truth, light, and life. For John, truth is not just something we understand with the mind, it is something we enter into, it is something we live. Jesus himself is the truth (John 14:6).

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to those who had begun to believe in him. But belief is only the beginning. He invites them to do more than just believe. he invites them to remain in his word. He invites them to make his teaching their home. This truth will set them free.

These words,“the truth will set you free”,are among the most quoted in all of Scripture. But the freedom Jesus offers isn’t simply about speaking one’s mind or making our own choices. It’s about belonging and about becoming the person we were created to be.

The freedom Jesus offers is not about doing whatever we want, whenever we want. That is not freedom. True freedom isn't about having no rules, no boundaries or no responsibilities. We need limits, but good limits. Like a garden thrived best when it has structure and direction. wild disorder causes a garden to grow all over the place, out of control.

Let's Be Honest...

We grow up shaped by many voices. Some of us have spent years trying to be the person our parents wanted us to be, or adjusting ourselves to fit a partner’s expectations. Some live through their children’s achievements, or shrink parts of themselves to stay agreeable, quiet, small.

But Jesus offers a different way.
He says, “Remain in my word.” Stay close to me. Let my voice shape you.

The Truth and the Kindness of Jesus

This kind of truth-telling is not harsh, it is kind.
Jesus names the truth, not to make us feel bad or guilty, but to free us.

True kindness isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about helping others become who they are in God’s eyes.
True kindness is the friend who reminds you that you don’t have to perform.
True kindness is the teacher who sees your potential and calls it out.
True kindness is Jesus, standing before us, offering freedom, not through control, but through love.

Returning to the Open Gate

And so we return to the open gate by the sea.
It stands there quietly, not forcing, not closing in, but inviting.
Beyond it, a wide horizon.
This is the truth Jesus offers: not a box, but a passageway.
Not a list of demands, but a return to our true selves. Loved by God, forgiven by God and free to be the person we are meant to be.

Pray

Lord Jesus,
You know how many voices I’ve tried to follow.
How often I’ve hidden my true self, even from you.
Let your Word be the voice I follow now.
Set me free with your kindness and truth.
And help me offer that same freedom to others.
Amen.

Photo: Karen Curjel, Lisbon, Portugal