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Why are we here? What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be made in the image of God, male and female? Join Rachelle Parker, Katie Davis, Patty Straus, and Sister Cecilia Ann as we journey through Saint Pope John Paul II’s beautiful teaching on the Theology of the Body!
Episodes

Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
St. Paul on Virginity and Marriage/Season Closing
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Welcome to the final episode of Season 4! We cover audiences 82-86 which will take us to the end of Part 1 of the text. We start with a section entitled: “Paul’s Understanding of the Relation Between Virginity and Marriage” which is an analysis of 1 Corinthians 7. We also wrap up the season, as usual, by sharing what has been most impactful for each of us personally this season and how God has been working in our lives.
Quotes:
“Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord, but I give my counsel as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.” (1 Corinthians 7:25)
“I say this to you, brothers, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none…those who buy as though that had no possessions, and those who make use of the world as though they made no use of it. For the stage of this world is passing away. I want you to be free from anxieties.” (1 Corinthians 7:29-32)
"The unmarried person is anxious about what is the Lord’s, how to please the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:32)
“...the one who pleases God cannot close himself in himself…”Pleasing the Lord” has love as its background.” (TOB 83:10; 84:1)
“To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is well for them to remain as I am. But if they do not know how to live in continence, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame.” (1 Corinthians 7:8-9)
“Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: It is well for a man not to touch a woman. Still, because of the danger of incontinence, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”(1 Corinthians 7:1-2)
“I wish that all were as I am. But each has his own gift from God, one in one way and another in another." (1 Corinthians 7:7)
“The hope of everyday shows its power in human works and even in the very movements of the human heart, clearing a path in some sense for the great eschatological hope tied to the redemption of the body” (TOB 86)
Reflection Questions:
- What did you find most helpful in this episode?
- Have you ever been confused by St. Paul’s statements regarding marriage and virginity? What became more clear for you?
- What do you find most difficult about married life? In particular, loving as Christ calls us to love.
- Whatever your vocation may be, we are all called to seek to please the Lord out of love for him. In what ways are you "anxious to please the Lord”?
- As Sister said, celibacy is an invitation and a way to love God. Are you open to whatever God may be inviting you to? In what ways do you strive to remain open?
- How do you counsel your children regarding vocation? Challenge: Watch Sound of Music with your “TOB Lenses”. What do you learn from Mother Superior in the way she responds to Maria? How could you apply that to those you come into contact with needing guidance?
- Are you able to keep your eyes on Heaven while also loving fully as we are called to love? What does that look like in your life?
- How are you sensitive to the Holy Spirit living within you and your spouse or within those you live? Are there ways in which you could grow in this area?
- How do you best learn to love? (“Training Wheels” or “Balance Bike”?)
Resources:
Maria Talks with Mother Superior
Climb Every Mountain-Sound of Music
Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts
Audio: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/chase-the-sun
License code: TA1ABH4Q0T4FT9GW

Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Special Guest: Fr. Brian Straus "Celibacy for the Kingdom of Heaven" (Part 2)
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Welcome to the Be Filled Podcast! We are honored to have Father Brian Straus join us as we continue our conversation on “Celibacy for the Kingdom of Heaven”. Fr. Brian is a Diocesan Priest in the Diocese of Springfield Cape-Girardeau. He is currently serving as Pastor at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Joplin, MO. He is also the Chaplain for McAuley Catholic High School, the Director of Campus Ministry at Missouri Southern University, and the Regional Vocations Promoter for the region. He is also a co-host of the Mission Catholic Podcast! (Link Below) Father shares so beautifully and honestly about the life of a Priest. You do not want to miss it!!
Quotes:
“In Christ’s words about continence “for the kingdom of heaven,” there is not a hint of “inferiority” of marriage related to the “body” or to the essence of marriage consisting in the fact that man and woman unite with each other in such a way as to become “one flesh”. (TOB 78:1)
“The perfection of Christian life is measured by the measure of love…Such perfection is possible and accessible for every human being, whether in a “religious institute” or in the world.” (TOB 78:3)
“It is a characteristic feature of the human heart to accept even difficult demands in the name of love, for an ideal, and above all in the name of love for a person. And so, in this call to continence for the kingdom of heaven, first the disciples and then the whole living Tradition of the Church quickly discovered the love for Christ himself as the Bridegroom of the Church, Bridegroom of souls, to whom he has given himself to the end in the mystery of his Passover and of the Eucharist.” (TOB 79:9)
“...and therefore acquired the meaning of an act of spousal love, that is, of a spousal gift of self with the end of answering in a particular way the Redeemer’s spousal love; a gift of self understood as renunciation, but realized above all out of love.” (TOB 79:9)
We have the “awareness of the freedom of the gift, which is organically connected with the deep and mature consciousness of the spousal meaning of the body in the structure of man’s and woman’s personal subjectivity as a whole.” (TOB 80:5)
“...man (male and female) is able to choose the personal gift of self to another person in the conjugal covenant, in which they become “one flesh”, and he is also able to renounce freely such a gift of self to another person, in order that by choosing continence “for the kingdom of heaven” he may give himself totally to Christ.” (TOB 80:6)
The choice for celibacy for the kingdom cannot “be made in a free and conscious manner without reference to one’s own masculinity or femininity and to that spousal meaning proper to man…it is made on the basis of the full consciousness of the spousal meaning, which masculinity and femininity contain in themselves.” “In order to be fully aware of what he is choosing (continence for the kingdom), he must also be fully aware of what he is renouncing.” (TOB 80:7)
The renunciation is an affirmation that “flows from the discovery of the “gift”, that is realizing oneself “through a sincere gift of self”. “..this discovery stands in deep inner harmony with the sense of the spousal meaning of the body connected “from the beginning” with the masculinity or femininity of man as a personal subject.” (TOB 81)
Reflection Questions:
- What spoke to your heart most in this episode?
- What did you learn from Fr. Brian’s experience about the priesthood?
- Have you ever thought that those who choose religious life or the priesthood are running away from marriage and family? Did this episode help you have a deeper understanding?
- Both the call to marriage and the call to “celibacy for the kingdom” have a “spousal” character. What is your reaction to this idea?
- Have you ever thought that marriage is better than celibacy or vice versa? What do you think about this after listening to the show?
- Fr. Brian discussed spiritual fatherhood and motherhood as a call for all of us. What did you find most helpful on this topic? What experience have you had with spiritual motherhood or fatherhood?
- What is your response to the idea that someone who says “yes” to the call to celibacy is responding to the love of Christ?
- How did you feel when Fr. Brian talked about the desirableness of marriage and raising a family?
- Do you ever think the “grass is greener on the other side” regarding vocation? How can you take all your desires to God and let him meet you there?
- Pray about how you can show your Pastor your appreciation this week. Consider inviting him over for a meal. Make sure you thank him in whatever way you are able.
Resources:
Audio: Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/chase-the-sun
License code: SDUWO5VZJKXVOHHI

Wednesday May 21, 2025
"Celibacy for the Kingdom of Heaven" (Part 1)
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Welcome to the Be Filled Podcast! We are studying Saint Pope John Paul II’s teaching on the Theology of the Body. This episode we are discussing General Audiences 73-76. We will take the next three episodes to look at how those who are called to celibacy for the Kingdom of God are actually pointing us to the life we are all destined for in Heaven by abstaining from marriage here on earth.
Quotes:
“If this is the condition of man in relation to woman, it is not advantageous to marry. Not all can understand it, but only those to whom it has been granted. For there are eunuchs who were born this way from their mother’s womb; there are some who were made eunuchs by men, and there are others who made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone understand this who can.” (Matthew 19:10-12)
“The question of continence for the kingdom of heaven is not set in opposition to marriage, nor is it based on a negative judgment about the importance of marriage.” (TOB 73:3)
“It is not because “it is not advantageous to marry,” nor because of a supposedly negative value of marriage that continence is observed by those who make such a choice “for the kingdom of heaven” in their lives, but in view of the particular value which is connected with this choice and which one must discover and welcome as one’s own vocation.” (TOB 73:3)
“This way of existing as a human being (male and female) points out the eschatological “virginity of the risen man, in which…the absolute and eternal spousal meaning of the glorified body will be revealed in union with God himself, by seeing him “face to face,” glorified moreover through the union of a perfect intersubjectivity…in the mystery of the communion of saints. Earthly continence “for the kingdom of God” is without doubt a sign that indicates this truth and this reality.” (TOB 75:1)
“Only little by little did it consciously take root that for “the kingdom of heaven” a special significance attaches to man’s spiritual and supernatural fruitfulness-which comes from the Holy Spirit…” (TOB 75:4)
“Mary’s desire to remain a virgin “was not a rejection of any of the values of the married state but a courageous choice which she made in order to consecrate herself totally to the love of God.” (Pope Paul VI)
“Mary’s virginal life was motivated by her “desire for total union with God.” She “wanted to be his faithful bride”. (Pope John Paul II)
“Virginity is really the whole offering of soul and body to be consumed in the fire of love and changed into the flame of its glory. The virginity of Our Lady is the wholeness of Love through which our own humanity has become the bride of the Spirit of Life.” (Caryll Houselander)
“The ultimate nuptial union “is between the Word and the flesh and the bridal chamber of the union is the Virgin’s womb.” (St. Augustine)
“On the background of the words of Christ one can assert not only that marriage helps us to understand continence for the kingdom of heaven, but also that continence itself throws a particular light on marriage viewed in the mystery of creation and redemption.” (TOB 76:6)
Reflection Questions:
- What was most powerful to you in this episode?
- How have you interpreted Jesus’ statement about celibacy for the kingdom? How have you seen those who have chosen to say “yes” to the call?
- Have you ever asked your Parish Priest to share their vocation story? Consider asking him to share it with you or your parish.
- In considering God’s call on your life, are you open to what He desires for you? If you are single, have you taken time to listen to what God is drawing you too regarding vocation? How can you make more space for quiet in your life?
- If you are married, are you listening to God’s voice regarding your marriage and children? How could you teach your children to learn to listen to God’s call for their own life?
- As you heard Sister share the beauty of living a life of celibacy for the Kingdom, what were your reactions? Did this open your eyes in any way to the beauty of this vocation?
- How do you feel when you see Religious and Priests? What comes to mind for you? Is it inspiring? Uncomfortable?
- Have you ever thought about the nature of Mary and Joseph’s marriage? Have you ever heard of Mary being “Ever Virgin”? Was this concept new to you? What are your reactions to this?
- Think about the religious and priests who have impacted you. What spiritual fruit has been born through them?
Resources:
John Paul II on the Perpetual Virginity of Mary
The Virgin Mary and Theology of the Body by Father Donald Calloway
Theology of the Body and the Marian Mystery Course
Mary Queen of Apostles Interview
Music from #Uppbeat
License code: GMJU65RQIAVMPKXH

Wednesday May 07, 2025
The Resurrection
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Welcome to another episode of the Be Filled Podcast! We are continuing our study of Saint Pope John Paul II”s teaching on the Theology of the Body. This episode we are looking at General Audiences 70-72, which is a study of Saint Paul’s writings to the Corinthians regarding Christ’s own resurrection and what that means for us as believers.
Quotes:
“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is in vain and also your faith is in vain…But now Christ has been raised from the dead.” (1 Cor 15:14,20)
The resurrection of Christ is “the final and fullest word of the self-revelation of the living God as “God not of the dead, but of the living.” (Mk 12:27)...the resurrection is the answer given by the God of life to the historical inevitability of death…that was a consequence of sin.”...The resurrection is the beginning of everything returning to the Father so that “God may be all in all”. (1 Cor 15:28)...The resurrection of Christ means that death is vanquished. “The last enemy to be destroyed will be death.” (1 Cor 15:26) (TOB 70:3)
“If we are to live according to the full truth of our bodies-to live according to the image in which we are made-we too must have our own encounter with the risen Christ. Indeed, the road to human happiness begins and ends in this meeting.” (Theology of the Body Explained, Pg. 327-328, Christopher West)
“What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised full of power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus, it is written that the first man, Adam, became a living being, but the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the natural, and then the spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-46)
“Redemption is the way to the resurrection. The resurrection constitutes the definitive accomplishment of the redemption of the body.” (TOB 70:8)
“Just as we have borne the image of the man of earth, we will bear the image of the heavenly man.” (1 Cor 15:49)
“...fulfillment and confirmation of what corresponds to the thought and plan of the one who created man from the beginning in his image and likeness.” JPII writes that we carry within ourselves “a particular potentiality (capacity and readiness) for receiving what the “second Adam” became..that is, Christ, and what he became in his resurrection.” (TOB 71:3)
“Brothers and sisters:If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
Reflection Questions:
- What did you find most powerful in this episode?
- How do you celebrate the season of Easter? Spend time praising God for the reality of Christ’s resurrection and the hope we now have for our own resurrection.
- How does hope in the resurrection of your body impact the way you live your life? How does hope in the resurrection of your loved ones impact your life?
- Do you live your life in the truth that the victory of over has already been won? What might that look like? How could those around know that you are on your way to Heaven?
- Think back on your life. What are the moments of encounter with the risen Lord that changed the direction of your life? Take a moment to praise God for his personal care for you!
- “Every flower has the potential to bloom.” Do you ever feel tempted to doubt that God will heal you? Do you ever think you are too broken to be put back together? Pray with whatever might be coming up as you consider your wounds.
- How could your wounds (spiritual, emotional, physical) actually be helping you get to Heaven? How could your wounds be glorified in the resurrection? Is there a way in which the experiences you are most ashamed of or hate about yourself could give God the most glory in Heaven? Open those places up to the Lord’s gaze. Let him sit with you and allow his healing rays of mercy and love enter.
- What are you captivated by and how could God be drawing you closer to Him through it?
Music from #Uppbeat
License code: GBF26IYNWISEMG44

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
He is God of the Living (Part 2)
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
This week we are covering audiences 67-69. We are continuing our conversation about our lives in heaven. In particular, the divinization of our bodies. And let me tell you…this is powerful stuff. You don’t want to miss this!
Quotes:
Divinization is “Participation in the divine nature, participation in the inner life of God himself, penetration and permeation of what is essentially human by what is essentially divine, will reach its peak, so that the life of the human spirit will reach a fullness that was absolutely inaccessible to it before.” (TOB 67:3)
“Eternal life should be understood as the full and perfect experience of the grace of God.” (TOB 67:5)
“By sending his only Son and the Spirit of Love in the fullness of time, God has revealed his innermost secret: God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange.” (CCC #221)
“That perennial meaning of the human body…will then be revealed again and will be revealed at once in such simplicity and splendor that everyone who shares in the “other world” will find in his glorified body the fountain of the freedom of the gift.” (TOB 69:6)
Reflection Questions:
- What did you find most powerful in this episode?
- As you learned about our “divinization” in Heaven, what came up in your heart?
- Have you ever considered our life on earth as a “practice” for Heaven? How could you allow yourself to be “stretched” so you can be completely full in Heaven?
- Pray with your imagination. Imagine what it might be like to be in a relationship of reciprocal gift with the Trinity. What comes up for you? Are there ways you can begin preparing your heart for this relationship even now?
- How much “eyeball time” do you have with your family and friends? Ask God to open your eyes to how this will be a preparation for all eternity. What are your thoughts?
- As you listened to Patty discuss the levels of prayer, what stuck out most to you?
- Are there times you avoid the gaze of God? When? What fears do you have about allowing God to look upon you?
- Have you ever considered that Jesus’ heart burns/longs/aches for you? He wants to pour out his love on you. Are you open?
- What are some ways that you struggle with seeing your body as a gift? What would it be like to be able to clearly see and understand the meaning of your body?
Resources:
Matthew Leonard Study on Prayer
Audio: Music from #Uppbeat
License code: 62I1DAEIBNO50CO8

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
He is God of the Living (Part 1)
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
This episode we are beginning a new chapter of the text entitled “Christ Appeals to the Resurrection”. We get to spend the rest of this season, so 6 episodes on this topic. We will be discussing Audiences 64-66 under the heading “The Synoptics: “He is Not God of the Dead But of the Living”.
Quotes:
“Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they take neither wife nor husband, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.” (Mark 12:24-27)
“...mere literal knowledge of Scripture is not enough. Scripture is in fact and above all a means for knowing the power of the living God, who reveals himself in it.” (TOB 65:3)
“When they rise from the dead, they take neither wife nor husband.” (Mark 12:24)
“In the future resurrection human beings, having regained their bodies in the fullness of the perfection proper to the image and likeness of God-having regained them in their masculinity and femininity-will take neither wife nor husband.” (TOB 66:1)
“The sons of this age take wife and take husband; but those who are considered worthy of the other world and the resurrection from the dead take neither wife nor husband.” (Luke 20:34-35)
“In the resurrection, the body will return to perfect unity and harmony with the spirit: man will no longer experience the opposition between what is spiritual and what is bodily in him. “Spiritualization” signifies not only that the spirit will master the body, but, I would say, that it will also fully permeate the body and the powers of the spirit will permeate the energies of the body.” (TOB 67:1)
“Resurrection means restoration to the true life of human bodiliness, which was subjected to death in its temporal phase.” (TOB 66:5)
“All that is essentially human in the original experiences of solitude-unity-nakedness will be brought to ultimate fulfillment. Heaven, therefore, will be the experience of a great multitude of solitudes living in perfect unity without any fear of being seen and known by each and by all.” (Christopher West, “Theology of the Body Explained”, pg. 305)
“...man’s ultimate beatitude “must be understood as the definitively and perfectly ‘integrated’ state of man brought about by such a (perfect) union of the soul with the body.” (TOB 66:6)
Reflection Questions:
- What impacted you most in this episode of the podcast?
- Have you ever considered that the Sacraments (including marriage) are signs of what is to come in Heaven? How do you feel about this prospect?
- What do you think about those who have gone on to Heaven continuing to be ALIVE and active members of the Body of Christ?
- Have you ever limited God through your interpretation of Scripture? Did this idea challenge you in any way?
- How has God pursued you in your life?
- Have you ever considered what our bodies will be like in Heaven?
- What reactions do you have to JPII’s description of the “spiritualization” of the resurrected body?
- What is your vision of Heaven? Imagine how your relationship with self, others, and God will be made whole. Spend time praising God for His goodness and ask him to help you walk ever closer to Him today.
- How could more contemplation on your death and heaven change how you live your life?
Resources:
Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well
“Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Heaven but didn’t know to ask” Peter Kreeft
Music from #Uppbeat
License code: 3F5Z4PHDLZMMGA8V

Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
"The Ethos of the Body in Art and Media"
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
This episode we are discussing audiences 60-63 entitled “The Ethos of the Body in Art and Media”. JPII explores the ethical dimension of both artists who reproduce or depict the human body in art/media as well as those who look at the human body in art and media. He asks the question: is it possible to portray the human body in art and media while also upholding the dignity of the person?
Quotes:
“Artistic objectification of the human body in its male and female nakedness…is always a certain transfer outside of this configuration of interpersonal gift that belongs originally and specifically to the body….the human body loses that deeply subjective meaning of the gift and becomes an object destined for the knowledge of many…” (TOB 61:1)
“...that of the gift oriented toward the very depths of the personal subject or toward the other person, especially in the man-woman relation according to the perennial order of reciprocal self-giving. (TOB 61:2)
“Herein lies the challenge for artists. If they are to portray the visible structure of the person (i.e., the human body), they must do so in a way that does not obscure but brings to light the interior structure of the person.” (Christopher West, Theology of the Body Explained, pg. 285)
“...that “element of the gift” is, so to speak suspended in the dimension of an unknown reception and of an unforeseen response, and thereby it is in some way “threatened” in the intentional order in the sense that it can become an anonymous object of “appropriation,” an object of abuse.” (TOB 62:3)
“Michelangelo’s nudes are not pornographic because he intended to reveal the spousal meaning of the body as a revelation of the trinitarian mystery. It is quite clear, however, that this is not the intention of pornographers, who portray the naked body with the explicit intention of rousing lust and profiting from concupiscence. By doing so, they explicitly violate “the intimate and constant order of the gift and of reciprocal self-giving” inscribed in the human being” (TOB 62:1)” (Christopher West, Theology of the Body Explained, p.288)
Reflection Questions:
- What spoke to you most in this episode?
- Have you ever considered how looking at nakedness could be a violation of the person?
- Have you ever considered the impact of “taking possession” of a person and not being in a relationship with them? How could this be harmful to you?
- Are there shows or movies you watch that may not be in line with the goodness of the dignity of the person? Would you invite Jesus to sit with you and watch? If not, consider taking this to prayer and examining your reasons for watching what you do.
- Have you ever seen a work of art portraying the human body that inspired you and drew you closer to God?
- When watching a show that portrays the human body, ask yourself: Does this bring to light the interior structure of the person? Or does this obscure or distort the person?
- When you look at art or other forms of entertainment, where do you see the true, good, and beautiful? Begin to ask the Lord to open your eyes to all He wants you to see.
- Be sure you pay attention to the movements of your heart as you are entertained. Are you ignoring the prompting of your hearts or being sensitive to God’s voice?
- Are you desensitized to sexual content? Ask the Lord to show you His will for you in this area and if there are any changes you need to make.
- Take time to contemplate the image of St. Teresa of Avila in Ecstasy. What are your reactions? Do you desire to be this close to our Lord?
Resources:
Magdala Ministries (Resource for women)
Exodus 90 (Resource for men)
Audio: Music from #Uppbeat
License code: 6VR6ZHFSYZHKHINL

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Gospel of Purity of Heart-Yesterday and Today
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Welcome to the show! We are continuing our study of St. Pope John Paul II”s teaching on the Theology of the Body. Today we discuss audiences 58 and 59 which is a review of what we have discussed so far in the text. We talk about some of the practical applications of what we have learned to our marriages and everyday lives. You won’t want to miss it!
Quotes:
“When you decide to lead a clean life, chastity will not be a burden on you: it will be a crown of triumph.” (Saint Josemaria Escriva)
“The inner man must open himself to life according to the Spirit, in order to share in evangelical purity of heart: in order to find again and realize the value of the body, freed by redemption from the bonds of concupiscence.” (TOB 58:5)
“This is the body’s great dignity: it incarnates God’s mystery, which is love. Man’s vocation is to love as God loves, and it is revealed through the spousal meaning of his body.” (Christopher West, Theology of the Body Explained, p. 278)
“It is the purity of the “man of concupiscence”, who is nevertheless inspired by the word of the Gospel and open to “life according to the Spirit”, that is the purity of the man of concupiscence who is completely enveloped by the “redemption of the body” achieved by Christ. (TOB 58:5)
“The satisfaction of the passions is, in fact, one thing, quite another is the JOY a person finds in possessing himself more fully, since in this way he can also become more fully a true gift for another person.” (TOB 58:7)
“It is also to be feared that the man, growing used to the use of contraceptive practices, may finally lose reverence for women and…may come to the point of considering her as a mere instrument of selfish enjoyment, and no longer as his respected and beloved companion.” (Pope Paul VI, Humane Vitae 17)
Reflection Questions:
- What spoke to your heart most this episode?
- Do you see chastity or “purity of heart” as a burden?
- Do you believe that “you can do hard things”? Do you believe “purity of heart” is possible?
- Do you have others in your life who you can walk with to pursue the Lord and “purity of heart”?
- Pray about your marriage and the way you “make love”. Are you truly loving the whole person or are there ways in which you are using each other? Ask God to show you what His vision is for your marriage.
- Have you allowed yourself to be “completely enveloped by the redemption of the body achieved by Christ”?
- Have you experienced the joy in “possessing” yourself more fully and to “become more fully a true gift for another person”?
- How is your heart after hearing about the Catholic Church’s teaching on contraception? Pray with whatever comes up and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.
Resources:
Humanae Vitae (Pope Paul VI)
Good News About Sex and Marriage, Christopher West
Music from #Uppbeat
License code: QFSWGTVIVG193AOY