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Theology of the Theology of the Body Body The Family and the The Family and the Blessed Trinity Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

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Page 1: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Theology of the BodyTheology of the Body

The Family and the Blessed TrinityThe Family and the Blessed Trinity

Fr. Edward J. Richard, MSFr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Page 2: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Law and MoralityLaw and Morality

If we compare the current trend in law with the If we compare the current trend in law with the traditional relationship between law and morality, traditional relationship between law and morality, the result of the interest in legal theory in social the result of the interest in legal theory in social engineering has been a diminishment of familial engineering has been a diminishment of familial cohesion and a reformulation of the notion of cohesion and a reformulation of the notion of freedom, once seen as an inalienable right, to a freedom, once seen as an inalienable right, to a radical idea unrelated to the human person as radical idea unrelated to the human person as such such

Page 3: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

EvangelizationEvangelization

Marriage preparation involves a process of Marriage preparation involves a process of evangelization which is both aevangelization which is both a maturation and maturation and deepening in the faith. deepening in the faith.

If the faith is weak or almost nonexistent (cf. If the faith is weak or almost nonexistent (cf. Familiaris Consortio = FC 68), it must be Familiaris Consortio = FC 68), it must be revived. revived. Thorough, patient instruction that arouses and Thorough, patient instruction that arouses and

nourishes the ardor of a living faith cannot be nourishes the ardor of a living faith cannot be excluded. excluded.

Page 4: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

EvangelizationEvangelization

A "journey of faith, A "journey of faith, similar to the catechumenate" similar to the catechumenate" presentation of the fundamental Christian presentation of the fundamental Christian

truths truths Marriage preparation Marriage preparation

a new evangelization for the future families.a new evangelization for the future families.

Page 5: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

IntroductionIntroduction

Begins in December of 1980Begins in December of 1980 ““New Creation” New Creation”

The inner man is the subject of the ethos of the The inner man is the subject of the ethos of the bodybody

The historical manThe historical man Man of concupiscenceMan of concupiscence

Page 6: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The Ethos of RedemptionThe Ethos of Redemption

Redemption informs the meaning of marriage Redemption informs the meaning of marriage even as one reads the Genesis textseven as one reads the Genesis texts

What is at stake is the “hope of everyday”What is at stake is the “hope of everyday” Incarnation, Redemption, Resurrection inform Incarnation, Redemption, Resurrection inform

the definition of “goods” for married life todaythe definition of “goods” for married life today Redemption of the body-Romans 8:23Redemption of the body-Romans 8:23

The fulfillment of the spousal meaning of the bodyThe fulfillment of the spousal meaning of the body

Page 7: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

In the BeginningIn the Beginning

Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees: Mt 19:3Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees: Mt 19:3 Is it lawful for a Is it lawful for a manman to divorce his wife? to divorce his wife?

Moses allowed divorce out of the hardness of Moses allowed divorce out of the hardness of your heartsyour hearts

It was not so in the Beginning.It was not so in the Beginning. Contrasts Contrasts

the state of primitive innocence-integral naturethe state of primitive innocence-integral nature with the state of human sinfulness-fallen naturewith the state of human sinfulness-fallen nature

Page 8: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

CommentaryCommentaryGen 1:26-31Gen 1:26-31

God’s intention-to make man God’s intention-to make man [adam][adam] in his in his image and likenessimage and likeness ““The Creator seems to halt before calling him into The Creator seems to halt before calling him into

existence, as if he were pondering within himself existence, as if he were pondering within himself to make a decision: ‘Let us make man in our to make a decision: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’”image, after our likeness’”

The body-as imageThe body-as image

Page 9: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Image-Royal RepresentativeImage-Royal Representative

Selem-The “Image” in ExodusSelem-The “Image” in Exodus God’s intention in creating adamGod’s intention in creating adam personal addresspersonal address The SabbathThe Sabbath unique and self-consciousunique and self-conscious self-determinationself-determination

Page 10: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original Innocence and ExperiencesOriginal Innocence and Experiences

Original SolitudeOriginal Solitude Original UnityOriginal Unity Original NakednessOriginal Nakedness

These do not belong only to man’s theological These do not belong only to man’s theological prehistory; they are always at the root of every prehistory; they are always at the root of every human experience.human experience.

They are part of the “revelation of the body”They are part of the “revelation of the body”

Page 11: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original SolitudeOriginal Solitude Gen 2:18Gen 2:18

It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” a helper fit for him”

This is the second account of creation, Yahwist, This is the second account of creation, Yahwist, creation of first man is different from the first creation of first man is different from the first womanwoman

The creation of the first man [adam] is defined as The creation of the first man [adam] is defined as male [‘is] only after the creation of the first male [‘is] only after the creation of the first woman [‘issah]woman [‘issah] When Gods speaks, then, about the solitude it is When Gods speaks, then, about the solitude it is

reference to solitude of “man” as such, not just about reference to solitude of “man” as such, not just about the malethe male

Page 12: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original SolitudeOriginal Solitude

Man discovers his uniquenessMan discovers his uniqueness A consciousness of himself through his bodyA consciousness of himself through his body

Solitude has two meaningsSolitude has two meanings One deriving from human nature as suchOne deriving from human nature as such

It is a search about what it means to be human; in It is a search about what it means to be human; in search of his own identitysearch of his own identity

One deriving from the relationship between One deriving from the relationship between male and femalemale and female

Page 13: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original SolitudeOriginal Solitude

But he is “alone”-distinguished from the But he is “alone”-distinguished from the animalia (other living beings)-he is differentanimalia (other living beings)-he is different

Consciousness of the bodyConsciousness of the body Man is a subjectMan is a subject

Because of awarenessBecause of awareness Because of his own bodyBecause of his own body

Because of his “authorship” of human activityBecause of his “authorship” of human activity Because the human body expresses a personBecause the human body expresses a person

Page 14: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original SolitudeOriginal Solitude

The human body-he is a body among bodiesThe human body-he is a body among bodies ““Man, thus formed, has a consciousness and Man, thus formed, has a consciousness and

awareness of the meaning of his own body, on awareness of the meaning of his own body, on the basis of the experience of original solitude.” the basis of the experience of original solitude.” (TB, 39)(TB, 39)

Page 15: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original SolitudeOriginal Solitude

The alternative between death and The alternative between death and immortality (if you eat of the tree, you shall immortality (if you eat of the tree, you shall die)die) Establishes the eschatological meaning of the Establishes the eschatological meaning of the

body and humanity itselfbody and humanity itself Distinct from other living beingsDistinct from other living beings Has a unique relationship, covenant with GodHas a unique relationship, covenant with God These words reveal a dimension of solitude These words reveal a dimension of solitude

previously unknownpreviously unknown

Page 16: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity - Gn 2:21-24- Gn 2:21-24

““It is not good that man should be alone; I It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a helper similar to himself” v. 18will make a helper similar to himself” v. 18

creation of womancreation of woman He falls “asleep” in order to wake up male and He falls “asleep” in order to wake up male and

femalefemale In Gen 2:23 we see the distinction between In Gen 2:23 we see the distinction between

‘is and ‘issah for the first time‘is and ‘issah for the first time

Page 17: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity - Gn 2:21-24- Gn 2:21-24

The original experience of Unity is founded The original experience of Unity is founded on the mutual reciprocity between the twoon the mutual reciprocity between the two

Distinction between male and female, both in Distinction between male and female, both in “solitude”“solitude”

Sexual difference, yet somatic samenessSexual difference, yet somatic sameness Oriented toward a communion of personsOriented toward a communion of persons

Page 18: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity

The human person loves and expresses love in and The human person loves and expresses love in and through the bodythrough the body

The creation of the womanThe creation of the woman Overcomes the frontier of solitudeOvercomes the frontier of solitude This, at last, is flesh of my flesh and bone of my boneThis, at last, is flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone

Creation of woman fulfills the creation of the human Creation of woman fulfills the creation of the human personperson

Page 19: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity - Gn 2:21-24- Gn 2:21-24

Gift Gift mutual gift-Gn 2:24: A man shall leave his mutual gift-Gn 2:24: A man shall leave his

father and mother… and the two become one father and mother… and the two become one fleshflesh

leads to communion of personsleads to communion of persons in every aspect of life in every aspect of life through a through a total, reciprocaltotal, reciprocal gift gift communion is foremost in “image”communion is foremost in “image” gift of Godgift of God

Page 20: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity

The distinction between male (‘is) and female The distinction between male (‘is) and female (‘issah) introduced(‘issah) introduced

As embodied persons, their masculinity and As embodied persons, their masculinity and femininity allow for unity of personsfemininity allow for unity of persons

The reality of sex appearsThe reality of sex appears

Page 21: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity

The two discover the immense joy of loving The two discover the immense joy of loving union expressed through their bodiesunion expressed through their bodies

Unity comes through reciprocal donationUnity comes through reciprocal donation

Through intellect and will they have dominion Through intellect and will they have dominion over their bodies allowing for the expression over their bodies allowing for the expression of authentic loveof authentic love

Page 22: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity

The two ways of being human turn out to be The two ways of being human turn out to be oriented toward a communion of personsoriented toward a communion of persons

Page 23: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity God did indeed create the human body to express the God did indeed create the human body to express the

person. Therefore, God gave the minds and wills of our person. Therefore, God gave the minds and wills of our first parents a certain control over their bodies. They first parents a certain control over their bodies. They were able to express their persons in through their were able to express their persons in through their bodies because their bodies, unlike ours, were under bodies because their bodies, unlike ours, were under the rule of their minds and wills. Consciousness, the rule of their minds and wills. Consciousness, efficacy, freedom, transcendence, and truth were efficacy, freedom, transcendence, and truth were expressed in and through their bodies. In other words, expressed in and through their bodies. In other words, they were integrated. The wills of our first parents did they were integrated. The wills of our first parents did not have to struggle against the desires of their flesh. not have to struggle against the desires of their flesh. Our first parents had no need of will power as we do. Our first parents had no need of will power as we do. The experience of original unity was possible for our The experience of original unity was possible for our first parents because both, within themselves, were first parents because both, within themselves, were completely in harmony. There was no opposition, as completely in harmony. There was no opposition, as there is in us, between the mind and the will, on the there is in us, between the mind and the will, on the one hand, and the body, on the other. Hogan, one hand, and the body, on the other. Hogan, Covenant of LoveCovenant of Love, 48., 48.

Page 24: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity

The concept of “gift”The concept of “gift”

The key to sexualityThe key to sexuality

A total gift of self in a reciprocal relationshipA total gift of self in a reciprocal relationship

Page 25: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity

The summit of the creation accountThe summit of the creation account A communion of persons, husband/wifeA communion of persons, husband/wife In every aspect of lifeIn every aspect of life Through total, reciprocal self-giftThrough total, reciprocal self-gift Communion of persons image the limitless Communion of persons image the limitless

communion of the divine Personscommunion of the divine Persons

Page 26: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original UnityOriginal Unity

Gen 2:24: “One flesh”Gen 2:24: “One flesh” This is why a man leaves his father and mother and This is why a man leaves his father and mother and

the two become one fleshthe two become one flesh Muliple dimensionsMuliple dimensions

Ethical-marriage, one and indissolubleEthical-marriage, one and indissoluble Sacramental-St. Paul (Eph) and the prophetsSacramental-St. Paul (Eph) and the prophets

““Incarnate” communion of personsIncarnate” communion of persons Emotional-Happiness in communionEmotional-Happiness in communion

Page 27: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original NakednessOriginal Nakedness

Gen 2:25Gen 2:25 Both of were naked…but they felt no shame in Both of were naked…but they felt no shame in

front of each otherfront of each other The point of departure for the experience of The point of departure for the experience of

“historical” man is the state of original “historical” man is the state of original innocenceinnocence

By reference to the “beginning” Christ By reference to the “beginning” Christ establishes the idea of continuity and establishes the idea of continuity and connection between the twoconnection between the two

Page 28: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original NakednessOriginal Nakedness

The fundamental messageThe fundamental message Authentic gift of self; the experience of joy and Authentic gift of self; the experience of joy and

innocenceinnocence They are free with regard to themselvesThey are free with regard to themselves The absence of shame is not a lack of insufficient The absence of shame is not a lack of insufficient

development. development. There is rather a particular fullness of consciousness There is rather a particular fullness of consciousness

and experienceand experience

Page 29: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original NakednessOriginal Nakedness

The gift of selfThe gift of self The reciprocal experience of the otherThe reciprocal experience of the other The absence of shame underlines the peace and The absence of shame underlines the peace and

tranquility of the “interior gaze” mutually tranquility of the “interior gaze” mutually bestowedbestowed

Their serenity shows their interior harmony with Their serenity shows their interior harmony with Creator’s plan by their unionCreator’s plan by their union

Gift emphasizes the quality of the relationshipGift emphasizes the quality of the relationship

Page 30: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original NakednessOriginal Nakedness

They are free with regard to themselvesThey are free with regard to themselves Their interior harmony manifests their freedom to Their interior harmony manifests their freedom to

give themselvesgive themselves To do this they must be masters of themselvesTo do this they must be masters of themselves They are free and can give without falling prey to They are free and can give without falling prey to

self-seekingself-seeking With no presence of shame, they are fully With no presence of shame, they are fully

conscious of the meaning of the body that comes conscious of the meaning of the body that comes from the typical perception of the senses.from the typical perception of the senses.

Page 31: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Remember this? Freedom and Remember this? Freedom and MoralityMorality

Human BeingHuman Being

The Goal of Human Life

Virtues

Page 32: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Freedom: The ability to choose Freedom: The ability to choose the Goodthe Good

Human freedom is the God-given ability to Human freedom is the God-given ability to choose the means to our ultimate end choose the means to our ultimate end

The End (telos) presupposes a natureThe End (telos) presupposes a nature

Morality is about the means toward fulfillment Morality is about the means toward fulfillment of our natureof our nature

Page 33: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Original NakednessOriginal Nakedness

Human Nature (image of God)

Gift of Self

Page 34: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The Hidden Meaning of VisionThe Hidden Meaning of Vision

““God saw everything that he had made and God saw everything that he had made and indeed it was very good.” 1:31indeed it was very good.” 1:31

Nakedness signifies the original good of the Nakedness signifies the original good of the divine vision.divine vision.

It has an inner dimension of the share in the It has an inner dimension of the share in the vision of the Creator himself.vision of the Creator himself.

They realize the full meaning of the body from They realize the full meaning of the body from the heart of their communionthe heart of their communion

Page 35: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

A Spousal Meaning of the BodyA Spousal Meaning of the Body

The vision yields the truth about the bodyThe vision yields the truth about the body Man appears in Creation as one who, in the Man appears in Creation as one who, in the

midst of the world, has received the other as midst of the world, has received the other as a gifta gift

““Being-gift”Being-gift” Reciprocal total self-giftReciprocal total self-gift A person is a being who gives himself/herselfA person is a being who gives himself/herself The origin of the definition of person is the The origin of the definition of person is the

Creator’s giftCreator’s gift

Page 36: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Spousal Meaning of the BodySpousal Meaning of the Body

Conjugal Significance of the BodyConjugal Significance of the Body Not content with original solitudeNot content with original solitude Open to communionOpen to communion Total gift of self is gateway to communion Total gift of self is gateway to communion

Page 37: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Summary of Original Meaning of Summary of Original Meaning of SexualitySexuality

Conjugal significance of the bodyConjugal significance of the body Body has a nuptial meaningBody has a nuptial meaning

““man comes ‘into being’ with consciousness of this man comes ‘into being’ with consciousness of this finality of his own masculinity-femininity”finality of his own masculinity-femininity”

Aware of his procreative capacity as male and Aware of his procreative capacity as male and female, they are free from the constraint of the body female, they are free from the constraint of the body and sexand sex

Page 38: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Summary of Original Meaning of Summary of Original Meaning of SexualitySexuality

The nature of FreedomThe nature of Freedom Freedom is the fundamental characteristic of a Freedom is the fundamental characteristic of a

person that makes possible the truth of the giftperson that makes possible the truth of the gift It makes the language of the body trueIt makes the language of the body true Our freedom is our capacity for givingOur freedom is our capacity for giving

Page 39: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

In Light of the Sermon on the Mount In Light of the Sermon on the Mount

Matt. 5:27-28 “Whoever looks to Matt. 5:27-28 “Whoever looks to Desire…”Desire…”

Page 40: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

The Sermon on the MountThe Sermon on the Mount You have heard it said, you shall not commit You have heard it said, you shall not commit

adultery, I say to you that anyone who looks adultery, I say to you that anyone who looks with “desire” at a woman has already with “desire” at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart. committed adultery with her in his heart.

Page 41: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Sermon on the MountSermon on the Mount

Mt 5:17 Do not think that I have come to Mt 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish but to fulfillcome to abolish but to fulfill

The appeal is to the inner man.The appeal is to the inner man. ““Desire” refers to something born immediately Desire” refers to something born immediately

in the heart Mt 5:27-28in the heart Mt 5:27-28 We are directed to the threefold structure of We are directed to the threefold structure of

concupiscenceconcupiscence

Page 42: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

1Jn 2:16-17 1Jn 2:16-17 ““For all that is in the world, the concupiscence For all that is in the world, the concupiscence

of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the the world. And the world passes away, and the concupiscence of it, but he who does the will of concupiscence of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.”God abides forever.”

Page 43: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

Gen 3Gen 3 The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and

that it was pleasant to the eyes, and desirable for that it was pleasant to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom…(5)gaining wisdom…(5)

……Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together to make themselves loin cloths. (7)together to make themselves loin cloths. (7)

Where are you? … I heard you in the garden and I was Where are you? … I heard you in the garden and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself. (9-10)afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself. (9-10)

Page 44: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

The “Fruit” of the Breach of the Covenant-The “Fruit” of the Breach of the Covenant-ConcupiscenceConcupiscence

The covenant was broken in the heartThe covenant was broken in the heart

Concupiscence comes from the worldConcupiscence comes from the world

Page 45: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

It comes from doubt about the original giftIt comes from doubt about the original gift ““Questioning in his heart the deepest meaning Questioning in his heart the deepest meaning

of the donation, that is, love as the specific of the donation, that is, love as the specific motive of the creation and of the original motive of the creation and of the original covenant (cf. Gn 3:5), man turns his back on covenant (cf. Gn 3:5), man turns his back on God-Love, on the Father. In a way he casts God-Love, on the Father. In a way he casts God out of his heart. At the same time, he God out of his heart. At the same time, he detaches his heart and almost cuts it off from detaches his heart and almost cuts it off from what is ‘of the Father.’ Thus, there remains in what is ‘of the Father.’ Thus, there remains in him what is ‘of the world.’” (111)him what is ‘of the world.’” (111)

Page 46: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

Nakedness and shame are new to the Nakedness and shame are new to the consciousnessconsciousness

Gen 3:10Gen 3:10 I was naked and I hid myselfI was naked and I hid myself The need to hide shows the depth of shame they feel The need to hide shows the depth of shame they feel

before each otherbefore each other A sense of fear of God has matured which was A sense of fear of God has matured which was

previously unknownpreviously unknown ““Nakedness” reveals that they are deprived of Nakedness” reveals that they are deprived of

participation in the Gift.participation in the Gift.

Page 47: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The Destruction of UnityThe Destruction of Unity

In Original Innocence nakedness represented In Original Innocence nakedness represented acceptance of the bodyacceptance of the body First sign of presence of Man in the worldFirst sign of presence of Man in the world Confirmed as a personConfirmed as a person Faithful witness and verification of solitude in the Faithful witness and verification of solitude in the

worldworld Transparent component of self-giving, masculine Transparent component of self-giving, masculine

and feminineand feminine Unquestionable sign of the image of GodUnquestionable sign of the image of God

Page 48: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

I Hid MyselfI Hid Myself

Loss of the original certainty of the image of Loss of the original certainty of the image of God expressed in the bodyGod expressed in the body

Loss of the right to participate in the divine Loss of the right to participate in the divine vision of the world and the joy that came from vision of the world and the joy that came from living the truth about the bodyliving the truth about the body

The body has ceased drawing power on the The body has ceased drawing power on the power of the spirit which raised him to the power of the spirit which raised him to the level of Image of Godlevel of Image of God

Now humiliation is mediated by the bodyNow humiliation is mediated by the body

Page 49: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

Body contains a center of resistanceBody contains a center of resistance A breakdown of spiritual and somatic unityA breakdown of spiritual and somatic unity Body is no longer subordinated to the spiritBody is no longer subordinated to the spirit Concupiscence is a specific threat to the Concupiscence is a specific threat to the

structure of self-masterystructure of self-mastery He is ashamed of his body owing to the state of his He is ashamed of his body owing to the state of his

spirit, not so much of his body, but precisely because spirit, not so much of his body, but precisely because of concupiscence.of concupiscence.

Page 50: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

Domination in interpersonal relationsDomination in interpersonal relations Concupiscence causes a distortion Concupiscence causes a distortion

The simplicity and purity of the original experience The simplicity and purity of the original experience disappeardisappear

The capacity of full and mutual communion endsThe capacity of full and mutual communion ends The heart holds within itself desire and shameThe heart holds within itself desire and shame

Page 51: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The FallThe Fall

They find themselves divided, even opposedThey find themselves divided, even opposed Gen 3:16 Your desire shall be for your husband Gen 3:16 Your desire shall be for your husband

and he shall rule over youand he shall rule over you They are still called to union and unity, but are also They are still called to union and unity, but are also

threatened by the insatiability of that union and threatened by the insatiability of that union and unity. It does not cease to attract man and woman unity. It does not cease to attract man and woman precisely because they are persons called from precisely because they are persons called from eternity to exist in communion.eternity to exist in communion.

Sexual shame is connected to the failure to satisfy Sexual shame is connected to the failure to satisfy the aspiration to realize in the conjugal union of the the aspiration to realize in the conjugal union of the body the mutual communion of persons.body the mutual communion of persons.

Page 52: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

Corruption of Body’s Spousal Corruption of Body’s Spousal MeaningMeaning

Domination-Communion of persons is Domination-Communion of persons is replaced by mutual relationship of possession replaced by mutual relationship of possession of the other as object of desireof the other as object of desire

In the heart, masc. and fem. mutual relations In the heart, masc. and fem. mutual relations are no longer the expression of the spirit that are no longer the expression of the spirit that seeks personal communionseeks personal communion

Spousal meaning is not suffocated but Spousal meaning is not suffocated but habitually threatenedhabitually threatened

Page 53: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

ContrastContrast

Gen 3:16 Gen 3:16 Your desire shall be for Your desire shall be for

your husband, but he your husband, but he will dominate youwill dominate you

Matt 5:27-28Matt 5:27-28 Whoever looks at a Whoever looks at a

woman to desire her…woman to desire her…makes her into an makes her into an adulteress in his heartadulteress in his heart

The man ought to have been “from the beginning” the guardian of the reciprocity of the gift and of its true balance.

Page 54: Theology of the Body The Family and the Blessed Trinity Fr. Edward J. Richard, MS

The “Look” is the ThresholdThe “Look” is the Threshold

Christ teaches us to see the look as the threshold of Christ teaches us to see the look as the threshold of the interior truth. the interior truth.

When one “looks to desire” he experiences the When one “looks to desire” he experiences the detachment from the spousal meaning of the body detachment from the spousal meaning of the body which is the basis of the communion of personswhich is the basis of the communion of persons

Looking to desire devalues the body; the procreative Looking to desire devalues the body; the procreative meaning, rooted in the spousal meaning, ceases, also.meaning, rooted in the spousal meaning, ceases, also.

In the heart, the authentic meaning of the body proper In the heart, the authentic meaning of the body proper to the person is obscured.to the person is obscured.

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Communio personarum (community of Communio personarum (community of persons)persons)

The form of the new man can emerge from this The form of the new man can emerge from this way of being and acting, to the extent to which the way of being and acting, to the extent to which the ethos of the redemption of the body dominates the ethos of the redemption of the body dominates the lust of the flesh and the whole man of temperance lust of the flesh and the whole man of temperance and mastery of desires, that is, at the very root, and mastery of desires, that is, at the very root, already in the purely interior sphere. The ethos of already in the purely interior sphere. The ethos of redemption contains in every area–and directly in redemption contains in every area–and directly in the sphere of the lust of the flesh–the imperative of the sphere of the lust of the flesh–the imperative of self-control, the necessity of immediate continence self-control, the necessity of immediate continence and habitual temperance.and habitual temperance.

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Pius XI Casti Connubi 1931Pius XI Casti Connubi 1931

This mutual inward molding of husband and wife, This mutual inward molding of husband and wife, this determined effort to perfect each other, can in a this determined effort to perfect each other, can in a very real sense, as the Roman Catechism teaches, be very real sense, as the Roman Catechism teaches, be said to be the chief reason and purpose of matrimony, said to be the chief reason and purpose of matrimony, provided matrimony be looked at not in the restricted provided matrimony be looked at not in the restricted sense as instituted for the proper conception and sense as instituted for the proper conception and education of children, but more widely as the education of children, but more widely as the blending of life as a whole and the mutual blending of life as a whole and the mutual interchange and sharing thereof. interchange and sharing thereof.