This is the first of three episodes covering a new section of Saint John Paul II’s teaching on the Theology of the Body entitled “Commandment and Ethos”. We discuss the words of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, “It was said, “Do not commit adultery” in audiences 34-37. 

Quotes: 

“...the human being of every time and of every place feels himself called in a manner that is adequate, concrete, and unrepeatable, because Christ appeals precisely to the human ”heart”...With the category of “heart,” everyone is identified in a singular manner, even more than by name; he is reached in that which determines him in a unique and unrepeatable way; he is defined in his humanity from within.” (TOB 35:4)

“The discernment of good and evil inscribed in the human conscience can turn out to be deeper and more correct than the content of a legal norm.” (TOB 35:5) 

“One can say that this law, while combating sin, at the same time contained in itself the “social structures of sin”; in fact, it protected and legalized them.” (TOB 36:1) 

“...the less the heart conforms to truth, the more the need arises for laws that must corral the people into maintaining some semblance of order.” (Theology of the Body Explained, Christopher West, pg. 208) 

“In the revelations of the prophets...the God of the covenant, Yahweh, is often represented as Bridegroom, and the love with which he joined himself to Israel can and should be equated with the spousal love of a couple.”(TOB 36:5) 

“Out of love, God-Yahweh makes the covenant with Israel; for Israel he becomes a Bridegroom and Husband who is most affectionate, attentive, and generous toward his Bride.” (TOB 37:3) 

“Adultery is a sin because it is the breaking of the personal covenant between the man and the woman.” (TOB 37:4) 

“...in order to determine what is good, we only need to ask a simple question: Does this sexual attitude, thought, or action truly image God’s free, total, faithful, and fruitful love?” (Theology of the Body Explained, Christopher West, pg. 211) 

Reflection Questions: 

1. Do you prefer a list of rules over really listening to your heart? Pray with this and ask God to show you what fears may be getting in the way for you. 


2. Spend some time with the Lord and ask yourself: Am I interpreting Church teaching or Jesus’ words in a way to justify sin in my life? Are there Church teachings I avoid learning about because I don’t want to change? 


3. Spend some time with the photos of the woman caught in adultery and Jesus (link in the resources section) Imagine the way that Jesus looks at you. Let him gaze upon you in love. Allow him to love you wherever you may find yourself on this spiritual journey. 


4. What are your thoughts about the Church not changing our teaching to conform to the culture? Are you frustrated by this? Do you find it comforting? 


5. What is keeping you from prayer? What consumes your thoughts? Ask the Lord to show you what might be keeping you from growing in your relationship with God. 


6.  Do you believe that God is in love with YOU? What is your response to this? 

Resources: 

“Male, Female, Other?: A Catholic Guide to Understanding Gender by Jason Evert

Navigating Gender with Charity and Clarity: A New Course by Jason Evert

Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery

Bill Donaghy Commentary Audiences 34-37

Music from #Uppbeat

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