Cuban priest Alberto Reyes Pías, hailing from Esmeralda in the Diocese of Camagüey, shared his insights on freedom and the Beatitudes this Sunday, in celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints. His reflections were inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 5:1-12.
Reyes' thoughts, shared on Facebook, suggest interpreting this section of the Sermon on the Mount as a discourse on liberty. He begins by distinguishing between free will and genuine freedom, a differentiation he deems essential.
Reyes writes, "Freedom is the ability to choose the greater good at every moment," emphasizing that true freedom is always connected to goodness. He argues that it is this choice of good that liberates us, not only from external constraints but also from our own limitations, whims, and pride.
According to the priest, absolute freedom is nonexistent, nor is it a final destination. Instead, it is a lifelong journey characterized by progress, setbacks, and turns, consistently aimed at choosing what is good.
The Beatitudes: Consequences of Good Choices
From this viewpoint, Reyes elucidates the meaning of the Beatitudes: they are the outcomes of consistently choosing good. "Goodness itself is the ultimate goal," he explains. "And if choosing the good requires sacrificing certain comforts, brings suffering, or leads to persecution, so be it."
He further develops this idea, stating that being blessed means relinquishing the power of comfort, avoiding discomfort, fearing the consequences of advocating for justice, and refusing to let anger, deceit, and the desire to impose one's will govern one's life.
Reyes acknowledges the demands of the text he's commenting on, referring to it as one of the most beautiful yet challenging passages of Scripture, representing the pinnacle every Christian is called to strive for.
Challenging Questions and Unwavering Criticism
His reflection concludes with a probing question, labeled by Reyes as "uncomfortable": "To whom or what am I giving power over my life?" This question serves as a key indicator of whether one can be truly blessed.
This piece is part of Reyes' weekly Facebook column, "I've Been Thinking," initiated in 2020, where he consistently critiques the government. As a prominent Catholic voice against the regime, Reyes has earned both public respect and governmental disdain.
Throughout 2026, he has faced multiple interrogations by State Security, received official warnings, and been threatened with prosecution for allegedly "promoting hatred." Additionally, he was barred from traveling to Miami in July.
Despite these pressures, Reyes continues his public advocacy. Last week, he described Cuba as a "nation in ruins" in need of systemic change. On Saturday, he criticized the Cuban delegation's behavior at the UN, calling it a "shameful incident," remarking, "When the priority is to outshout the opponent, one cannot hear the people's suffering."
In September, Reyes reflected on forgiveness, encouraged hope, and depicted the Church as the regime's "uncomfortable neighbor."
Key Questions on Freedom and Choice
What does Alberto Reyes mean by true freedom?
Reyes defines true freedom as the ability to choose the greater good at every moment, linking it intrinsically to the concept of goodness and liberation from personal and external constraints.
How does Reyes interpret the Beatitudes?
Reyes views the Beatitudes as the consequences of consistently choosing good, emphasizing that goodness should be the ultimate goal, even if it involves sacrifice or persecution.
What challenges has Reyes faced due to his criticism of the Cuban regime?
Reyes has faced interrogations, official warnings, threats of prosecution, and travel bans due to his outspoken criticism of the government, yet he continues his advocacy.