We are continuing our journey through the text “Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body” by Saint Pope John Paul II. In this episode we are discussing General Audiences 26-28. John Paul II’s analysis will help us to understand what happened in the heart of man at the Fall which led us to be prone to sin. We also discuss how shame impacts the man and woman in the following areas: relationship with self, relationships with creation, relationship with the Creator, and relationship with each other...
We are continuing our journey through the text “Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body” by Saint Pope John Paul II. In this episode we are discussing General Audiences 26-28. John Paul II’s analysis will help us to understand what happened in the heart of man at the Fall which led us to be prone to sin. We also discuss how shame impacts the man and woman in the following areas: relationship with self, relationships with creation, relationship with the Creator, and relationship with each other.
Quotes:
“All that is in the world, the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life, comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:16)
“But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:4-6)
“By casting doubt in his heart on the deepest meaning of the gift, that is, on love as the specific motive of creation and the original covenant, man turns his back on God-Love, on the “Father”. He in some sense casts him from his heart.” (TOB 26:4)
“Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:7-10)
“Shame touches in that moment the deepest level and seems to shake the very foundations of their existence.” (TOB 27:1)
“In reality, what shows itself through “nakedness” is man deprived of participation in the Gift, man alienated from the Love that was the source of the original gift, the source of the fullness of good intended for the creature.” (TOB 27.2)
Reflection Questions:
- What was most powerful to you in this episode?
- Do you believe that God’s plan for you is bigger and better than you can imagine?
- Reflecting on your life, have there been times you grasped for what you wanted rather than waiting for God’s timing?
- When have you doubted God’s love for you? Has this doubt led you to turn away from the Father? Pray with any doubt you may have in your heart about his goodness and love. Ask the Lord to show you his presence and to increase your trust in Him.
- Consider the areas of weakness or sin in your life. What do you think you are really wanting? How could you redirect your desire (or “rocket engines”) to God? Pray with whatever comes up as you consider this question. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead you.
- When you are tempted, where do you turn your gaze? How can you pray with temptation and grow in intimacy with the Lord?
- What struck you as you learned about the way shame/sin fractured man and woman’s relationship with self, creation, God, and one another?
- Where are you, in your heart? Pray with what comes up for you and invite the LORD to be with you right there.
- Have you ever thought of shame in a positive way? How has the feeling of “shame” helped you to know what is right and wrong?
- How do you imagine God sees you when you fall? Pray with this. Ask the Lord to reveal His heart to you.
Resources:
Bill Donaghy Commentary on Audiences 26-28
Man of Original Innocence/Original Concupiscence Comparison Chart
Music from #Uppbeat
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