Be Filled

Welcome to another episode of the Be Filled Podcast! We are continuing to discover the beauty of Saint Pope John Paul II’s teaching on the Theology of the Body. We have spent the last two episodes discussing the “Man of Concupiscence”. This episode we are discussing Audiences 31.5-33 which is entitled “The Corruption of the Spousal Meaning of the Body”. 

Quotes: 

“Historical man has this lifelong task: to give voice to the deepest aspirations of his heart by accepting the grace of ongoing conversion.” (Christopher West, Theology of the Body Explained)

“That “meaning” does not modify the reality in itself, that is, that which the human body is and does not cease to be in the sexuality that belongs to it, independently of the states of our consciousness and our experiences.” (TOB 31.5)

“The human body in its masculinity and femininity has almost lost the power of expressing this love in which the human person becomes a gift…The “heart” has become a battlefield between love and concupiscence.” (TOB 32:3) 

“From John Paul’s analysis we learn that if men and women are to “belong” to each other in the full expression of the communion of persons, they must first belong to Christ. They must first be in communion with him. The road to restored communion between the sexes passes by way of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And there is no detour.” (Christopher West, Theology of the Body Explained) 

Reflection Questions: 

1. When you think about your body, what comes to mind? Do you seek to glorify yourself through your body or glorify God (or a little of both)? Pray with this and ask God to reveal any ways in which you idolize your body.
2. What are the deepest aspirations/desires of your heart? How could you find moments of silence throughout your day to listen to God? This week, try to slow down and pray with God’s word. See below for a guide to Lectio Divina.
3. What meaning do you give to your body? How does that impact the way you live?
4. What do you feel God calling you to do to help your children understand the meaning of their bodies? Please reach out if you need support or a list of good therapists to work with.
5. What has your experience been with fighting concupiscence in your relationships? Pray with this and ask God to show you areas in your relationship that need His grace in order to grow.
6. What did you think about the “Crazy Cycle”? Could you think of any examples of this in your relationships? If you are a man, how do you see your role with your woman and how can you encourage her to live a holy life? If you are a woman, how do you see your role and how can you encourage your man to live a holier life?
7. “Let your man be Jesus.” Whatever your vocation, Jesus is your protector and guardian. What are your reactions to this? Pray with whatever comes up.
8. What does it mean to you to belong to another? Do you see this in a positive sense or negative?

Resources:

Lectio Divina Guide

Love is a Battlefield 

Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Holy Family School of Faith Rosary Podcast: The Mission of Marriage 

Bill Donaghy Commentary 

Meditation on Givenness by Pope John Paul II 

Music from #Uppbeat License code: U39BBBCUO2WFBTPE