Be Filled

In this episode we discuss Audiences 44-48 of Saint Pope John Paul II’s teaching on the Theology of the Body. Is Jesus merely accusing the human “heart” of concupiscence or is he calling our “hearts” to something higher?

 Quotes

“The body in its masculinity and femininity has been called “from the beginning” to become the manifestation of the spirit.” (TOB 45:2)

“To gain a true victory over lust, John Paul says that purity must mature from the “negative” turning away to the more “positive” recognition and assertion of the real beauty, dignity, and value of the body and of sex.” (Christopher West, Theology of the Body Explained, p. 234) 

“Man must feel himself called to rediscover, or even better, to realize, the spousal meaning of the body and to express in this way the interior freedom of the gift, that is, the freedom of that spiritual state and power that derive from mastery over the concupiscence of the flesh.” (TOB 46:4) 

“The inheritance of the beginning, the inheritance of his heart, which is deeper than the sinfulness inherited, deeper than the threefold concupiscence. Christ’s words, set in the whole reality of creation and redemption, re-activate that deepest inheritance and give it real power in human life.” (TOB 46:6) 

“Redemption is a truth, a reality, in the name of which man must feel himself called, and “called with effectiveness” (TOB 46:4) 

“According to Plato, “eros” represents the inner power that draws man toward all that is good, true, and beautiful.” (TOB 47:2) 

“People often maintain that ethos takes away spontaneity from what is erotic in human life and behavior…Yet this opinion is mistaken and, at any rate, superficial. If we accept it and obstinately maintain it, we will never reach the full dimensions of eros.” (TOB 48.2) 

“Christ’s words are demanding ... .they demand that man has full and deep consciousness of his/her own acts, and above all his interior acts, and that he is conscious of the inner impulses of his own “heart” so that he can identify and evaluate them in a mature way.” (TOB 48:3) 

“When eros and ethos meet, they bear fruit in purity. Purity leads us in truth. Those with a mature purity of heart simply do not “look with lust”. Even if concupiscence still tugs at them, the pure of heart can recognize it, resist it, and allow grace to “untwist” it.” (Christopher West, Theology of the Body Explained, page 244) 

Reflection Questions

1. How do you view your body? Do you believe that your body is good or only the “spiritual” part of you?
2. Is there anything that keeps you from being at peace with your body? In what ways do you “devalue” your body? Pray with this and ask the Lord for healing in this area. Thank you Lord for my body, Help me to care for my body out of a desire to love others well, so that I become a self-gift and learn to love as you love. Heal any false views of what I need to be and help me to embrace your vision of me as a whole person, body and soul.
3. What is your experience with Natural Family Planning? Is this new to you? We encourage you to seek to learn more. A link for more information can be found below!
4. Do you believe that Christ has “real power” to set you free from sin? If you really believe it, how would that impact your relationship with him and the way you live?
5. You are called to “this supreme value, which is love.” Sit with this thought. You are called to love and be loved. Ask the Lord to help you see how it is you can love others and allow yourself to become more receptive to being loved.
6. “The inheritance of the beginning, the inheritance of his heart, which is deeper than the sinfulness inherited, deeper than the threefold concupiscence. Christ’s words, set in the whole reality of creation and redemption, re-activate that deepest inheritance and give it real power in human life.” Do you believe this? The power you have access to through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is more powerful than the inheritance of Original Sin! What does that mean for your life today? Are you claiming this truth?
7. What are the “knots” in your life that you feel are impossible to “undo”? Consider praying the “Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena”. Link below!
8. Imagine that your life is part of a masterpiece. Are you playing the part God is asking you to play? Ask the Lord to help you make beautiful music with him.
9. What has your definition of “eros” been up to now? How was your definition challenged by what JPII wrote?
10. We must “burn but not be consumed”. Take this to prayer. Get in touch with your passions. What makes you feel alive? Where are you in awe? What (or to whom) are they actually pointing you to? What is it you really want? 

Resources: 

Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena 

TOB Institute Recommended Therapists 

More Therapists! 

https://centerforhealingkc.com/ 

Jana Burns https://inviacounseling.life/jana

Jackie Stone https://www.mendpsychotherapy.com/our-team

Karley Daniels https://www.newdaycounseling.co