THE PRODIGAL on a journey to freedom. LENT: preparation for EASTER.

'HE has sent me to announce freedom for PRISONERS' (Luke 4:18).

PRISON!

NOT A VERY APPEALING PLACE, NOT EXACTLY A TOP DESTINATION AND NOT SOMEWHERE THAT DOES YOU A LOT OF GOOD.
IT'S A PLACE OF DEPRIVATION. FEAR AND DESPAIR.
SOME PEOPLE  ARE ONLY TOO FAMILIAR WITH IT, WHILE OTHERS KNOW NOTHING  ABOUT IT AT ALL.

The themes of captivity and freedom have a central place in the Bible. They are there right at the beginning of God's history with his people, and this foundational adventure is referred to throughout the history of revelation.
However, issues of captivity and freedom are not confined to the physical imprisonment meted out by human justice.
The Bible also talks about being in other kinds of prison - social and relational ones, for instance - as well as about unconditional, universal freedom, available right away.
Today, many people are shut up  behind walls - with all the suffering, frustration, questioning and changes of heart that can bring.
Others, sent by their churches, go to visit them, and in doing so affirm the dignity of each human being in God's eyes.
Sometimes, they open the Bible and study it together - and together, they discover words of renewal, a journey, a pursuit of freedom.
Everyone - prisoners and others, whetever their circumstances - may embark on a journey to freedom. ( "Words of Freedom", Naomi Buick, chaplain at Rennes women's prison).
IN SEPTEMBER 2015, SYDNEY - AUSTRALIA  HOSTED AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PRISON CHAPLAINS.
Fr. Toader Doroftei, Romanian priest and prison chaplain in Stockholm, Sweden and his wife, pharmacyst Lidia,  participated for information and guidance.
After the meeting, they visited Romanian Orthodox Church in Brisbane.

• < Prev
• Next >