TOB Session 5

“Language of the Body” and the reality of the Sign 103-108

103 THE REDEMPTIVE AND SPOUSAL DIMENSIONS OF LOVE

Matthew 19:8; Ephesians 5:21-33; Romans 8:23

The Letter to the Ephesians reveals the "great mystery" of Christ's union with the Church, using the analogy of marriage to illustrate this profound bond. This audience emphasizes that the sacrament of marriage, rooted in creation, is renewed through Christ's redemptive love. Christian spouses are called to model their relationship on Christ's love for the Church, participating in God's creative love and the sacramentality of marriage. This sacrament, which unites man and woman in a communion of persons, is enriched by the mystery of redemption, enhancing the understanding of the spousal and redemptive dimensions of love. The union of these dimensions in marriage reflects the profound significance of the human body and its masculine and feminine aspects. The concept of celibacy for the kingdom of heaven is also touched upon, showing its connection to the spousal and redemptive love of Christ. Ultimately, the sacrament of marriage and the mystery of redemption converge to fulfill the meaning of human existence and the ultimate realization of the kingdom of God.

How does the analogy of marriage in the Letter to the Ephesians deepen our understanding of the sacramental nature of marriage and its connection to Christ’s redemptive love?

• The analogy of marriage in Ephesians shows that marital love reflects Christ's sacrificial love for the Church. This connection highlights the sanctifying grace present in marriage. Understanding this analogy helps spouses see their union as a participation in divine love, affirming the sacrament’s transformative power. This insight also reveals the profound significance of human embodiment in God's plan.

104 LANGUAGE OF THE BODY, THE SUBSTRATUM AND CONTENT OF THE SACRAMENTAL SIGN OF SPOUSAL COMMUNION

Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 7:7

The marriage sacrament is formed by the mutual consent of the engaged couple, expressed through the words "I take you as my wife/husband," which are central to the marriage liturgy. These words, along with the vows of faithfulness, love, and honor, create a binding sacramental sign that both man and woman administer to each other before witnesses, including the priest. This verbal expression is an essential part of the marriage, but it reaches its full reality only through consummation, echoing the Creator's intention that man and woman become one flesh. The sacramental sign of marriage combines both the intention and the physical reality, rooted in the language of the body, which signifies the mutual gift of masculinity and femininity. This unique and unrepeatable language establishes a lifelong communion between the spouses. Consequently, marriage as a sacrament becomes a visible and efficacious sign of God's covenant with humanity, bearing significance both during the rite and throughout the spouses' lives, ultimately grounded in the mysteries of creation and redemption.

How does the language of the body, expressed in the marriage vows and consummation, constitute the full sacramental reality of marriage?

• The language of the body in marriage vows signifies the couple's intention to become one flesh, fulfilling the Creator's design. This verbal commitment alone does not fully constitute the sacrament until it is consummated through conjugal intercourse, making the sacramental sign complete. This consummation confirms the mutual gift of masculinity and femininity, forming an indissoluble bond that reflects God's covenant with humanity. Thus, the sacrament of marriage is both a spiritual and physical union, signifying grace and the covenant's enduring reality.

105 THE LANGUAGE OF THE BODY IN THE STRUCTURE OF MARRIAGE

Genesis 2:23-25; Ephesians 5:21-33; Isaiah 54:5, 10; Hosea 1:2; Ezekiel 16:8, 15; Malachi 2:14

In this audience, the sacramentality of marriage is explored through the lens of its signifying role. Drawing deeply from biblical tradition, especially Genesis and Ephesians, the prophets of the Old Testament play a crucial part in developing this understanding. They depict the covenant between God and Israel as akin to a marriage, portraying Israel as the spouse of Yahweh, chosen through divine love and grace. This analogy emphasizes not just a legal agreement but a profound personal union, where fidelity signifies love and betrayal signifies infidelity. The prophets illustrate these themes vividly, using language that contrasts marital fidelity with adultery, reflecting ethical categories of good and evil. The body, as a vehicle of this prophetic analogy, speaks truth through fidelity and falsehood through infidelity, underscoring the integral role of bodily expression in marital sacraments and moral teachings.

How does the prophetic analogy of marriage as a covenant between God and Israel help us understand the sacramental significance of marriage today?

• The prophetic analogy portrays marriage as more than a legal contract, revealing it as a sacred covenant marked by fidelity and love. This understanding deepens our appreciation of marriage as a sacrament, where the language of the body expresses truths about commitment and fidelity. Just as Israel’s fidelity to Yahweh mirrors marital fidelity, the sacramental sign of marriage today calls spouses to embody this truth through their union, reflecting God’s covenantal love and grace.

106 THE SACRAMENTAL COVENANT IN THE DIMENSION OF SIGN

Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:18-24; Matthew 5:17, 20-27

In this audience, the significance of marriage as a sacramental covenant is illuminated through the prophetic understanding of the body's language. The prophets' texts underscore that the human body, though its author is man, speaks a language imbued with a profound spousal meaning, integral to masculinity and femininity. This language finds its sacramental expression in the matrimonial consent, where the truth of conjugal love and fidelity is affirmed, contrasting with falsehoods that negate these virtues. The ministers of marriage, by pronouncing these words, act in a prophetic capacity, proclaiming truth in God's name and confirming their participation in the Church's prophetic mission. The words of matrimonial consent not only establish the visible sign of the sacrament but also initiate a lifelong commitment, binding the spouses in communion before God and society, rooted in the enduring language of the body established by God and renewed through Christ.

How does understanding marriage as a sacramental covenant, rooted in the language of the body, deepen our appreciation of its significance in Christian life?

• Recognizing marriage as a sacramental covenant emphasizes its profound spiritual dimensions, where the language of the body expresses truths about love and fidelity. The prophetic dimension highlighted by the audience underscores how matrimonial consent not only initiates a sacramental sign but also reflects God's covenantal love for His people. By rereading the language of the body truthfully, spouses embody their commitment before God, fostering a union that mirrors Christ's love for the Church. This perspective encourages us to view marriage not merely as a legal contract but as a sacred bond rooted in God's design for human flourishing and communion.

107 LANGUAGE OF THE BODY STRENGTHENS THE MARRIAGE COVENANT

This audience explores the sacramental dimension of marriage, emphasizing its foundation on the language of the body, which speaks through masculinity and femininity. While the body itself does not verbally communicate, it serves as the medium through which spouses express their mutual love and fidelity, reflecting Christ's love for the Church. By rereading and understanding this language truthfully, couples initiate and sustain the sacramental sign of marriage throughout their lives. This prophetic role extends beyond mere words to encompass gestures and actions that affirm conjugal love and unity. The integrity of marital consent lies in aligning behavior with the truth inherent in the language of the body, thus fulfilling a prophetic mission within the Church's teachings on marriage.

How does the concept of the "prophetism of the body" deepen our understanding of marital love as a sacramental sign in the Church?

• Understanding marriage as a sacramental sign rooted in the language of the body highlights the profound theological and anthropological dimensions of marital union. The audience underscores that spouses, through their actions and words, bear witness to God's covenantal love. By aligning their behavior with the truth expressed in their bodies, couples not only uphold the sacramental integrity of marriage but also contribute prophetically to the Church's mission of proclaiming love and fidelity. This perspective challenges us to view marital consent not just as a legal formality but as a continual commitment to live out God's plan for human love and communion.

108 MAN CALLED TO OVERCOME CONCUPISCENCE

Matthew 5:27-28; Galatians 5:16

In this audience, the significance of marriage as a sacramental sign is explored through Christ's teachings on adultery in the Sermon on the Mount. Christ's admonition that even lustful looks constitute adultery in the heart underscores the profound moral dimension of the marital covenant based on the language of the body. Despite humanity's inherent concupiscence, which inclines towards selfish desire, the call to fidelity and truth remains paramount. The audience distinguishes between the condemning perspective of concupiscence prevalent in some interpretations and Christ's call to recognize and live by the truth of human sexuality. It highlights the ongoing struggle to interpret the language of the body truthfully amidst the challenges posed by concupiscence, yet reaffirms the possibility of conversion and fidelity through Christ's redemptive grace.

How does understanding Christ's teaching on adultery in the heart deepen our appreciation of marital fidelity as a sacramental sign?

• Christ's teaching challenges us to see beyond external actions to the intentions of the heart, emphasizing that fidelity in marriage involves not just physical fidelity but purity of heart. The struggle with concupiscence underscores the need for continual conversion and reliance on God's grace to interpret and live out the truth of marital love authentically. This perspective invites us to reflect on how our personal choices and attitudes towards the language of the body impact our relationships and our witness to God's covenantal love in marriage.

The Song of Songs 109-112

109 RETURN TO THE SUBJECT OF HUMAN LOVE IN THE DIVINE PLAN

Genesis 2:20, 23-25; Matthew 19:4

In this audience, Pope John Paul II returns to the theme of human love within the divine plan, particularly focusing on the Song of Songs and its profound implications. He acknowledges the varied interpretations surrounding this biblical book, which celebrates human love in a poetic and metaphorical manner. Despite differing views, the Pope emphasizes the Song of Songs' integral connection to the sacramental reality of marriage, rooted in Genesis and echoed in Christ's teachings. The dialogue between the bride and groom in the Song reflects a mutual fascination and admiration, expressed through the language of the body, which parallels the biblical narrative of God's covenant with humanity. The Pope suggests that understanding the Song of Songs through this lens enriches our comprehension of human love as a divine gift and as a reflection of God's own love for his people.

How does Pope John Paul II's interpretation of the Song of Songs deepen our understanding of human love as a reflection of God's covenantal love?

• Pope John Paul II highlights that the Song of Songs, while expressing human love poetically, also symbolizes the covenantal love between God and humanity. This understanding challenges us to view human relationships, particularly in marriage, not merely as earthly unions but as reflections of divine love. By exploring the metaphorical richness of the Song, we gain insights into how our human experiences of love and admiration can draw us closer to understanding God's enduring love for us. This perspective encourages us to cherish and nurture relationships based on mutual respect, admiration, and fidelity, seeing them as pathways to experience and witness God's love in our lives.

110 TRUTH AND FREEDOM THE FOUNDATION OF TRUE LOVE

Song of Songs 4:9-10; 4:7; 8:10; 2:16; 6:3

This audience resumes the exploration of the Song of Songs to delve into the sacramental significance of marriage, particularly through the unique language of love rooted in the heart. The groom’s poetic expressions in Song of Songs 4:9-10 vividly capture the profound impact of his beloved on his heart and soul, highlighting the essence of the theology of the sacramental sign of marriage. Central to this exploration is the revelation of the female “you” as the male “I” and vice versa, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship intrinsic to marital love.

How does the metaphor of the “sister bride” in the Song of Songs deepen our understanding of the reciprocal nature and personal dignity within marital relationships?

• The metaphor of the “sister bride” in Song of Songs underscores the mutual recognition and respect between spouses, affirming each other's personal dignity and reciprocal belonging. This deepens our understanding of authentic love as rooted in truth and freedom, where each partner freely entrusts themselves to the other, fostering a bond that reflects the profound sacramental union of marriage.

111 LOVE IS EVER SEEKING AND NEVER SATISFIED

Song of Songs 1:13-14, 16; 2:3-6; 2:7; 5:2; 5:6; 5:9; 7:1-8; 7:9-13; 8:6; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

This audience explores the Song of Songs to deepen the understanding of marriage as a sacramental sign. It emphasizes the inseparable connection between love and the language of the body, revealing how love enables a truthful reinterpretation of bodily expression. The progression of marital intimacy through love is depicted, illustrating a deepening union that respects the mystery and dignity of each person. The groom’s admiration in Song of Songs 7:1-8 not only praises the physical beauty of his beloved but also acknowledges the profound gift of herself that she represents. Similarly, the bride responds eagerly to the groom’s affection, demonstrating that their love encompasses both spiritual and sensual dimensions. Their mutual gift of self is portrayed as integral to their marital bond, affirming its sacramental nature.

How does the Song of Songs illustrate the dynamic between eros and agape in marital love, and how does this relate to Paul's description of love in 1 Corinthians 13?

• The Song of Songs portrays eros as a continual search for deeper communion within marital love, echoing the restlessness described in the poem. This yearning is tempered and fulfilled by agape, as described by Paul, which purifies and elevates eros to a love that is enduring and sacrificial. The integration of eros and agape in marital relationships reflects the theological depth of love, emphasizing its capacity to transcend physical desire and embody selfless devotion, echoing the ultimate love of Christ for his Church as described by Paul.

112 LOVE IS VICTORIOUS IN THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL

Song of Songs 8:6; Tobit 6:14, 19; 8:5-8

This audience reflects on passages from the Book of Tobit to further understand the sacramental sign of marriage, particularly through the lens of the language of the body. Tobit’s story presents love as "stern as death," mirroring the sentiments in the Song of Songs. The marriage of Tobiah and Sarah faces a life-and-death trial due to a demon killing Sarah's previous husbands. Through prayer, their love proves stronger than death, illustrating the struggle between good and evil. Unlike the Song of Songs, which portrays an idealized love, Tobit highlights the tangible battle between these forces in marital love. Tobiah’s prayer situates their union within the covenant with God, emphasizing their sacramental role. This narrative confirms the profound truth and power of love, as demonstrated through choices and actions rooted in faith and prayer.

How does the story of Tobiah and Sarah in the Book of Tobit illustrate the struggle between good and evil in marital love, and how is this struggle overcome?

• The story of Tobiah and Sarah shows that their marital love is tested by the threat of death due to a demon. This test symbolizes the broader struggle between good and evil. Their love, supported by prayer, ultimately triumphs over death, illustrating that faith and divine intervention are crucial in overcoming such trials. This narrative emphasizes that true marital love involves steadfast commitment and reliance on God’s grace to conquer adversity.

When the “Language of the Body” becomes Language of the Liturgy (Reflections on Tobit) 113-117

113 THE LANGUAGE OF THE BODY: ACTIONS AND DUTIES FORMING THE SPIRITUALITY OF MARRIAGE

Romans 8:5, 23; 1 Corinthians 6; 1 Thessalonians 4:4-7; Ephesians 5:21-33

This audience revisits Ephesians 5, revealing the covenant of the Father's love and its fulfillment in Christ's union with the Church. This mystical language of the body in marriage reflects Christ's spousal love for the Church, sanctifying human relationships. Sacraments infuse holiness into the human condition, elevating the conjugal bond to a sacred and enduring reality. The liturgy and its language transform marital commitments into spiritual acts, rooted in creation and redemption. Husbands and wives are called to mutual love and respect, reflecting the holy mystery of their union. The sacrament of marriage thus integrates the profound experiences of holiness and love, embodying the virtues and gifts of the Spirit. Consequently, conjugal life becomes a continuous expression of liturgical language, deeply sanctified and spiritually mature.

How does Ephesians 5 help us understand the sanctification of marriage through the language of the body?

• Ephesians 5 reveals that marriage is a great mystery, mirroring Christ's union with the Church. This sanctifies the marital relationship, transforming it into a sacred covenant. The liturgical language elevates this union, imbuing it with holiness and spiritual maturity. Thus, the conjugal life becomes a profound expression of love and fidelity, rooted in the redemption of the body.

114 MORALITY OF MARRIAGE ACT DETERMINED BY NATURE OF THE ACT AND OF THE SUBJECTS

Reflecting on marital and family morality in light of Humanae Vitae, this audience emphasizes the inseparable connection between the unitive and procreative aspects of the marital act. The sacramental sign of marriage is deeply rooted in the truth of the language of the body, reaffirmed by the spouses through their lifetime together. Humanae Vitae asserts that any marital act must preserve its natural capacity to procreate, highlighting the act's inherent unitive and procreative significances. This connection is based on the nature of the marital act and the nature of the spouses, emphasizing the importance of acting in accordance with moral norms. The fundamental structure of the marital act necessitates a truthful reading of its two significances, which must be integrated into the conscience and decisions of the spouses. The moral norms taught by the Church are derived from this truthful reading of the language of the body.

How does Humanae Vitae's teaching on the inseparable connection between the unitive and procreative significances of the marital act shape our understanding of marital morality?

• Humanae Vitae teaches that the marital act inherently includes both unitive and procreative significances, which are inseparably connected. This connection is rooted in the nature of the marital act and the spouses themselves. By preserving both significances, the act respects the natural law and the divine plan for marriage. This understanding shapes marital morality by emphasizing the need to act in accordance with the truth of the language of the body

115 THE NORM OF HUMANAE VITAE ARISES FROM THE NATURAL LAW AND THE REVEALED ORDER

In Humanae Vitae, the Church asserts the necessity of preserving the natural capacity for procreation in marriage, emphasizing the inseparable connection between the unitive and procreative aspects of the marital act. This teaching appeals to both the ontological truth and the subjective, psychological dimensions, aligning with human reason. The moral norm derived from this connection is based on natural law and further validated by Tradition and the Magisterium, even if not explicitly stated in Scripture. This audience underscores that the moral law expressed in Humanae Vitae is consistent with revealed doctrine, particularly within the theology of the body. The encyclical emphasizes that this norm is reasonable and in harmony with both natural law and divine revelation. Consequently, it is binding on all, especially believers, as it reflects the dignity and truth of the human person. Understanding this norm requires a deep reflection on the comprehensive context provided by biblical anthropology and the theology of the body.

How does Humanae Vitae demonstrate the harmony between natural law and divine revelation in its teachings on marital morality?

• Humanae Vitae shows the harmony between natural law and divine revelation by emphasizing that the moral norms regarding the marital act are based on the intrinsic nature of the act and the persons involved. These norms align with human reason and the revealed moral order. This connection is affirmed by the Church's Tradition and the Magisterium. Thus, the encyclical provides a comprehensive understanding of marital morality that respects both natural law and divine truth.

116 IMPORTANCE OF HARMONIZING HUMAN LOVE WITH RESPECT FOR LIFE

Paul VI's Encyclical Humanae Vitae links its teachings on conjugal life with the broader theology of the body, emphasizing the harmony between human love and respect for life, as articulated in Gaudium et Spes. This audience underlines that there is no contradiction between divine laws on life transmission and authentic conjugal love. Humanae Vitae stresses the inseparable connection between the unitive and procreative significances of the marital act. The pastoral nature of the documents responds to modern demographic, socioeconomic, and moral questions, emphasizing the feasibility of observing divine law with God's grace. This audience highlights the need to understand and fulfill God's plan for human love as the true good of the human person. The theology of the body, as revealed in Christ's teachings and Paul's letters, supports the moral norms in Humanae Vitae, affirming their truth and pastoral concern. The reflections prepare for discussing responsible parenthood.

How does Humanae Vitae address the challenges of observing the moral norms it sets forth in the context of modern demographic and socioeconomic issues?

• Humanae Vitae acknowledges the difficulty of observing its moral norms, especially under modern conditions. It emphasizes that with God's grace, individuals can fulfill these norms, which in turn enhances human dignity and benefits society. The encyclical ties the feasibility of these norms to the broader theology of the body, confirming their truth and practical relevance. The pastoral concern of the document reflects a deep understanding of human love's harmony with life, aiming to guide believers in fulfilling God's divine plan.

117 RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD

Deuteronomy 21:10-13

The Council's document Gaudium et Spes discusses responsible parenthood by emphasizing the necessity of using objective criteria based on the nature of the human person and actions, aligning with the virtue of married chastity. This involves married couples fulfilling their roles with a sense of human and Christian responsibility, considering their situation, and forming judgments before God. Humanae Vitae builds upon this by providing concrete indications, defining responsible parenthood through various aspects, including biological, emotional, and socio-economic considerations. It stresses that responsible parenthood encompasses both the decision to have more children and the decision to avoid further births, always in conformity with God’s moral order. Ultimately, this commitment requires couples to recognize their duties toward God, themselves, their families, and society, acting in accordance with God's creative intention and maintaining the inseparable connection between the unitive and procreative significances of the conjugal act.

How does the concept of responsible parenthood as outlined in Humanae Vitae and Gaudium et Spes align with the virtue of married chastity and the duties toward God, family, and society?

• Responsible parenthood integrates the moral duty to procreate with the responsible decision to space or limit births based on personal, familial, and societal considerations. It requires couples to exercise mature judgment and align their conscience with divine law as interpreted by the Church. This balance respects the unitive and procreative meanings of the conjugal act, ensuring actions conform to God's plan for human love and dignity. By adhering to these principles, couples fulfill their roles with Christian responsibility and contribute to the common good.