The Theology of the Body

 It seems we are always hearing about issues of sexuality; whether within our Church or within society, what is right or wrong, what is acceptable or unacceptable. How do we handle the unique situations that come up? Human sexuality expresses a very important part of our humanity and so deserves our attention and learning.

St. John Paul II began his pontificate by setting out on the monumental task of offering a fresh new vision for sexuality rooted in Scripture and the Tradition of the Catholic Church. He revealed this vision over the course of five years and it is referred to as the Theology of the Body.

Focusing on the Biblical teaching that we are made in the image of God, the Holy Father challenges us to accept the body as a true gift from God and part of His master plan for creation. Here are some summary points:

  1. The experience of Adam and Eve before the fall provides a clear picture of God’s remarkable plan for our sexuality.
     
  2. God does not exist in a state of solitude but as a community of persons, or a family. As male and female, we are called to live in a family that images God and that love is mirrored in children.
     
  3. Since we are not made to be alone, we are compelled to give love away and we can only find ourselves through giving a total gift of ourselves.
     
  4. Sin caused man to change focus from giving of self for the good of another to taking another for selfish pleasure, showing the opposite of love is not hate, but to use another person for self-gratification. If sexuality is for self-gratification it opposes true love.
     
  5. Christian purity is the ability to see the eternal mystery of God revealed through the naked body. Sexual sins take a beautiful and sacred gift, and cheapen it by undervaluing its true purpose and beauty.

These are some of the ideas of the Theology of the Body and the beautiful ideal of our human nature as set by our God.

He took on our human nature because it is good and of great value and because he knows we are Made for More. Please attend the Made for More event here on April 4, and witness a great teaching about truth, beauty and goodness.

God bless,

Fr. Jerry