The freedom of the United States was won originally by those who held high ideals of liberty and justice. Ideals may be grounded in virtues. St. Francis de Sales was a proponent of growth in virtuous living.
Therefore, “it is not surprising that a Salesian view of freedom should be eminently positive as it is rooted in an optimistic view of human nature. Salesian optimism, however, is not unrealistic as it acknowledges the reality of our cheftive nature which can be mistakenly drawn to an apparent good in place of the true good, thus compromising true freedom and settling for an illusory freedom instead.
A particular kind of asceticism, therefore, is both involved and necessary in cultivating freedom which requires not only our resistance to sin, self-love and disordered desires, but also the positive aspect of strengthening and developing our will, so that it will be at the service of love.
This art or skill that we develop to know and follow the good, is linked to the virtuous life. As we grow in virtue, we concomitantly grow in freedom.”1
1. page 429, The Concept of Freedom in the Writings of St. Francis de Sales, by Fr. Eunan McDonnell
REFLECTION:
What experiences in my life underline the difference between true and illusory freedom? What part does virtue play in these distinctions?