By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: The Only Obstacle to Freedom

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Crisis Magazine, Aug 25, 2025

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington who has also served as a financial administrator in the Diocese of Lincoln. Trained in business and accounting, he also holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in moral theology. Father Pokorsky co-founded both CREDO and Adoremus, two organizations deeply engaged in authentic liturgical renewal. He writes regularly for a number of Catholic websites and magazines. See full bio.

The old Janis Joplin tune goes, “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” Sorry, Janis. With freedom, we gain everything. The only obstacle to our freedom is sin.

God created us in freedom. He placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden as a test of our freedom. Our first parents failed the test. The Church teaches that Original Sin didn’t destroy us. Even sin cannot obliterate God’s good creation. However, Original Sin badly wounded human nature, and we became slaves to sin in need of redemption.

Preaching against sin is part of a parish priest’s job description as God’s prophet. Jesus teaches us, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” (Lk. 13:24) Unrepentant sin slams the door shut on salvation and enslaves us. Repentance in Jesus reopens the door. As a Church-appointed expert in God’s objective law, it is easier for a priest to tell you what not to do than to advise you on the many virtuous options you have. ….

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