Interior Freedom Kindle Edition

Most ideas are expressed by many authors in many different ways. Jacques Philippe says things in a way I can understand and apply in my own life. I will continue to read this book over and over. Cannot imagine a time when it will not be useful to me. Profound and simple!

A small gem that goes along way in showing and convincing that we always have, regardless of appearances and circumstances, a certain freedom which cannot be lost, manipulated or compromised. This then goes a long way to convincing us that we can be find happiness in places and situations where we would have never dreamed we could. Interior Freedom delivers what the title suggests. It shows that it is something we all can possess, not without effort, and not without some decent struggles.Father Jacques Philippe makes it clear, "More often than not, we feel that our freedom is limited by our circumstances: the restrictions imposed on us by society, the obligations of all kinds that other people lay upon us, this or that physical or health limitation, and so on. To find our freedom, we imagine we have to get rid of those restrictions and limitations. When we feel stifled or trapped in some way by circumstances, we resent the institutions or the people that seem to be their cause. How many grievances we have toward everything in life that doesn't go as we wish, and so prevents us from being as free as we would desire!"This is one type of freedom we may desire, but he explains that there is another type--another way of exercising freedom. Although it might be less exciting, poorer and humbler, he claims it is more intensely fruitful, both humanly and spiritually. It consists in "consenting to what we did not originally choose."To achieve true interior freedom, he insists, means that "we must train ourselves to accept, peacefully and willingly, plenty of things that seem to contradict our freedom." This is not a matter of accepting things grudgingly, but truly consenting. The best example I think he gives us of this is the Sacrifice of the Cross. Jesus himself tells us, "No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord"--freely! This, Father Philippe admits "is a paradox;" but, not without a logical solution. He explains, "His life was certainly taken from him: he was put in chains, condemned, led to Calvary, and crucified. But, as the liturgy says, this was `a death he freely accepted.' In his heart was deep acceptance of what his Father wanted. Jesus remained supremely free in his death, because he made it into an offering of love. By his free and loving consent, the life that was taken became a life given."Anyone can see this is not simple stuff, but it is possible. It has given people the ability to go on in absolutely horrible conditions and circumstances. It's amazing stuff, however, because "externally there is no visible difference, but internally, everything is transfigured."We will live quite differently and much better if we can follow the advice of this book. The alternative is "We risk finding ourselves forever dissatisfied. We shall always come up against painful restrictions. We can overcome a certain number, but some are inflexible: physical laws, the limitations of our human condition and of life in society, and plenty more."

The gist of Interior Freedom by Jacques Phillippe is “don’t fret, God will provide;” which is not to trivialize the book. It’s a great book, as essential as any book is. But much of the difficulty of the book is epitomized by difficult concepts; like, don’t fret, God will provide.They say “God helps those who help themselves” and that’s hard to dispute. I think we’re obliged to maximize our talents - it’s a responsibility or purpose for our existence, which is inherent in nature. Things grow - or die; and that includes us. Epistemologists like Hobbes would say “that’s obvious” which is, that’s how we either know stuff, or don’t.Phillippe addresses all such arguments and uses it himself “you know in your heart and mind, the absoluteness of the tranquility of grace.” That too, is obvious. It’s what interior freedom is. But how do we ever get past Kierkegaard’s fear and trembling? That is, how can we live without doubt. Life-shattering tragedies occur. We feel that hurt, and don’t want to.Phillippe says you never have to. Of course he’s right but doesen’t that absent our humanity or naturalness. We see the mighty tree destroyed by storms; other trees nearby prospering. It has to matter. Now I think most human “storms” can be prevented. I think it’s our function to do that. But some storms can’t be prevented. We can, and should, work all day everyday to prevent war, poverty, suffering; as much as possible. But we can’t prevent a little kid from getting leukemia. And how do we weather that storm.My daughter saw her classmate die in third grade. She never got over it. Everyone has a story like that. My father died, my mom left us when we were little kids. But I can acknowledge after reasoning it out - we were better off with grandparents. Mom was better off in a new marriage that was life-long happy and fulfilling. I can acknowledge that if my dad were to live forever, everyone would want their loved-ones to. And that wouldn’t work. Life is organic and cyclical, not linear like the man-made concept of time.But all that hurt creates overwhelming doubt. I saw my dad sick unto death when I was seven; lying in bed like a vampire-ghost with white skin and red eyes. So I figured (from age seven) everyday could be his last. Obviously you delight in each day he lived. But you also fear and dread his apnea-type breathing every night. Was that his last breath, or no, just a long pause. You live with this dread so long; it’s unreal when he finally dies. You’d come to disbelieve he ever would, as we disbelieve we ever will. Knowing it’s a sublimated lie.But a useful lie to keep us going. Phillippe says we never need to lie to ourselves. Kierkegaard says “that’s easy for you to say.” Which is the crux of the problem - easier said than done.

He led me step by step to recognize how deeply Father God loves me. How freeing! Now, I am going to read it over again.

This is book is a gift to any Christian reader. It has helped me to approach God with childlike faith, depending on him for everything. It tackles all the common human struggles that lead us away from having God’s peace and joy in our lives and how to work through these to grow closer to Him. I will read this book many times over.

A short but inspiring book. Simple language was used by the author and I believe this book can help both Catholics and non-believers have a better understanding of true freedom

Incredibly enlightening and uplifting. I would really recommend this book to everyone, Catholic and non-Catholic. You will take something beautiful from this

I ordered this book as a recommendation when I was doing an online retreat at Walsingham, The book was shipped from America and safely received intact in Sunny Scotland, it has been a God send, I highly recommend this book

This book is easy to read and the writer speaks from the heart on a normal level for ordinary people with ordinary daily problems and uneasiness.