The truth will set you free

This familiar phrase is often used today, especially in political discussions.

Today’s Gospel (Jn. 8:31-42), however, provides the proper context for this phrase (and the origin of the freedom bestowed).

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.

Ultimate freedom comes not from information for its own sake, but from being a disciple of Christ: freedom from sin, freedom from the dead end of materialism, and most importantly the freedom of infinity and eternity itself.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

Tu Rex gloriae, Christe.
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem,
non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo,
aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.
Iudex crederis esse venturus.
Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni:
quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria numerari.

from the Te Deum