Be Filled

This episode we discuss Audiences 29-31.1 in the text of Man and Woman He Created Them by Saint Pope John Paul II. We look at how man and woman’s new experience of shame and the subsequent covering of their bodies (in particular the parts that make them male and female) impact the communion of persons between them. 

Quotes: 

“Above all...that shame-which...makes the man and the woman hide their own bodies before each other, and especially their sexual differentiation-confirms that the original power of communicating themselves to each other....has been shattered.” (TOB 29:2)

“Since after original sin, man had lost the sense, so to speak, of the image of God in himself, that loss manifested itself by shame.” (TOB 29:3)

“This is the tragedy of concupiscence: It exchanges a self-seeking gratification for the sincere gift of self; it uses the other as an object made for my sake, rather than loving the other as a subject made for his or her own sake.” (Theology of the Body Explained, Christopher West) 

“Because of sin, woman now experiences a particular “reduction” in comparison with man. Her special giftedness as woman-the fact that she embodies receptivity in relation to God, the man, and the gift of new life...” (Theology of the Body Explained, Christopher West, pg. 194-195)

“...we reject our posture of receptivity  as “feminine-bride” in favor of being our own “masculine” lords. We want to be “like God” but without God.” (Theology of the Body Explained, Christopher West, pg. 195)

“...shame…reveals the moment of concupiscence, at the same time it can provide weapons ahead of time against the consequences of the threefold component of concupiscence.” (TOB 31:1)

Reflection Questions:

1. How can man and woman complete the image of God in the visible world? Is this something you have ever considered? 
2. When have you experienced being “used” rather than loved by another? Take these wounds to prayer. Ask God to meet you in those places. 
3. Prayerfully consider how shame kept you from being vulnerable when you needed to be in a relationship? Are there parts of you that you feel are not loveable? How could you invite the Lord into those places in your heart?
4. Have you experienced a dissatisfying relationship? What do you think contributed? Again, take the Lord with you into all these wounds and experiences. 
5. We often see our femininity as a burden. Pray with your feelings around your fertility. Ask the Lord to heal wounds and to restore your receptivity to life. 
6. How do you see Mary? Ask her to help you image her perfect receptivity to God so that new life may be born in you.
7. Spend some time with this prayer from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Read it slowly and prayerfully. Notice your feelings and what the Lord may be saying to you. “Let yourself be vulnerable.  Let your walls down, your carefully constructed fortresses breached, your fiercely guarded heart laid bare.  Let your wounds be touched, your fears revealed, your deepest desires, damaged dreams, and most daring hopes unveiled before the Bridegroom who has the power to redeem, restore, and resurrect them. Drop your independence and the idea—which you clutch so tightly—that you can do anything to protect and save yourself.  And let Him love you.”
8. Think about your relationships. Is there anyone you can be intentionally vulnerable with in your life? Who can you talk to to bring to light what might be in the dark. If you are married, are you able to share openly about your weaknesses? If not, begin asking the Lord to break down any barriers within yourself and your spouse. 

Resources:

Bill Donaghy Commentary

Audio: Music from #Uppbeat

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