Freedom Begins Where Shame Ends (The Inner Life)

What does true freedom look like? For one caller on The Inner Life, it meant discovering that God's commandments don't restrict us. They set us free. Justin shared with Deacon Patrick Conley and guest Fr. Alan Hoffa how addiction led him through years of incarceration, broken relationships, and deep regret. Looking back, he now sees that what once seemed like freedom to choose anything only brought bondage. Today, as he prepares to enter the Church through OCIA, he compares God's law to traffic laws: when we follow them, we're free to travel safely. In the same way, the teachings of the Church guide us toward the fullness of life. The conversation then turned to another obstacle that keeps many people from experiencing God's freedom: shame. Fr. Hoffa reminded listeners that while guilt can move us to repentance, shame is different. Shame convinces us that our past defines us and keeps us chained to our sins. But that is not God's voice. Instead, Christ calls us to a new identity. Our mistakes may be part of our story, but they do not determine our future. Through God's mercy, we are no longer defined by our failures, but by His love. As Justin's testimony reminds us, freedom is found not in doing whatever we want, but in living according to the truth that leads us closer to God. When we let go of shame and embrace our identity as beloved sons and daughters of the Father, we begin to experience the freedom for which we were created. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.