   
"To hold a newborn in one's arms is to know both the sacredness and the
vulnerability of the body; indeed, it is to know that there is an intimate
connection between sacredness and vulnerability."
— Stephanie Paulsell
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The practice of honoring the body is born of the confidence that our bodies are made in the image of God's own goodness. As the place where the divine presence dwells, our bodies are worthy of care and blessing and ought never to be degraded or exploited. It is through our daily bodily acts that we might live more fully into the sacredness of our bodies and the bodies of others.
Stephanie Paulsell writes, "The practice of honoring the body challenges us to remember the sacredness of the body in every moment of our lives... Because our bodies are so vulnerable, we need each other to protect and care for them."
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Bathing
Bathing is one of the most fundamental ways
we honor our bodies. Let bathing remind you
that humans are created in God's image. In what
ways might baptism be connected with daily bathing?
How did Jesus care for the bodies of his friends
when he washed their feet (John 13)?
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Adornment
Adornment is a way to protect ourselves, as well as
to provide delight. Do you regularly notice what other
people wear? What do you hope your clothing says about
you and your commitments? In what cases does adornment
separate us from others? When does it unite? Has adorning
your body ever helped you be more attentive to God's
presence?
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Touching
Touching, when it is appropriate, seeks to honor,
not diminish. Notice the touching in Luke 7:36-50.
In what ways does the woman honor Jesus' body? What
do we teach our children about "good" touch
and "bad" touch? How do children learn to
respect their own bodies and the bodies of others
through touch? When have you been aware of a healing
touch? Recall occasions when you have cared for another
through touch. What do we learn about our bodies through
liturgical acts of touching such as washing of feet,
exchanging signs of peace, and anointing?
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Sexuality
Sexuality is a source of both pleasure and vulnerability.
In what ways does our society show respect for human
sexuality? How is sexuality exploited? What rituals
mark the physical development of young people and
teach them to affirm the goodness of their bodies?
What forms of "body knowledge" enable teenagers
to honor their bodies and resist behaviors that degrade
the body?
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Jesus' Resurrected Body
Jesus' resurrected body teaches us that bodies matter
and shows us the beauty God intends for all bodies.
How might Jesus' broken body help us to see the bodies
of the sick and wounded and exploited? As we seek
God and each other in our bodies, as we pay attention
to ways to honor the body, we remember that every
body is blessed by God, deserving of protection and
care. |
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