As part of my apostolic work in recent years, I have been visiting a state prison and either helping with a communion service or leading a prayer group. During one of my visits, an inmate made an interesting statement. He said, “there is no free will in this world.” First, I thought he was speaking in the context of his prison life. Obviously, the prison stands for the loss of individual freedoms. But this inmate insisted that even outside prison there is no free will because at most times he could not do what he wanted. Of course, our faith tells us that human beings do have free will because God gives us the opportunity to make choices that genuinely affect our destiny. This particular inmate is partially correct, nonetheless, in that free will does not mean that mankind can do anything he pleases. Our choices are limited to what is in keeping with our nature.
In the first reading, we hear that the Lord speaks to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.” In our life, perhaps we can become locked-in by our own fear and timidity. Our fear often limits our choices and prevents us from doing what we ought to do for God. In prayer today, listen to God’s voice saying, “do not be afraid.” This is a voice of reassurance who knows that there have been times in our lives when something prevents you from doing what you ought to do for God’s Kingdom. If you feel that you cannot hear God’s voice, perhaps try recalling the voice of reassurance from a friend or someone who has always been there for you.