“Who is chained? Who is free?” was the theme of a reflection given by Jesuit Superior Fr Dermot Preston at a day of prayer and fasting for Guyana, held May 5 at Brickdam Cathedral. The event was organised by the Catholic Charismatic Movement.

Prime Minister Sam Hinds was among the hundreds that gathered for the day, which began with one hour of prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament followed by scripture readings, hymns, reflections and prayers for special needs – the nation, our safety and our healing.

Fr Dermot used the stories of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the book of Daniel, the Jewish Holocaust and other examples of the flexing of political power to reflect on what true freedom is.

He said while situations of threat and violence may not be offered to all in today’s western society, the modern world now presents illusory freedom with more subtlety – “you will be free if you have security”; “you will be free if you have sex”… all these things were attractive, but ultimately all such promises were hollow and would leave our lives empty.

Fr Dermot quoted Jesus’ guidance to his disciples: “Truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32) and encouraged each member of the congregation to pray for the wisdom to discern the things in their lives which were acting as chains, and which things were truly giving inner freedom. – Catholic Standard