The Theology of the Body Broken

"The catechesis of the first and second parts repeatedly used the term 'theology of the body.' In a certain sense, this is a 'working' term. The introduction of the term and the concept of the theology of the body was necessary to establish the theme, 'The redemption of the body and the sacramentality of marriage,' on a wider base. We must immediately note that the term 'theology of the body' goes far beyond the content of the reflections that were made. These reflections do not include multiple problems which, with regard to their object, belong to the theology of the body (as, for example, the problem of suffering and death, so important in the biblical message). We must state this clearly." - Blessed Pope John Paul II

For too long, those who have studied the words of Blessed Pope John Paul II have consigned themselves only to the task of interpreting the main passages of his writings on the theology of the body. As stated above, this is a focus more on the sacramentality of marriage, as it relates to human physicality expressed in marriage, and when it is not expressed sexually for those who live out the monastic vocation.

However, the quote above is quite clear that one can take mystical reflections on the body beyond marriage and sexuality to other subjects. The first subject quoted above is the concept of suffering and death. To that end, the present reflections aim to move beyond the "theology of the body" in the focused sense used by Blessed Pope John Paul II. Instead, it goes to consider what can rightly be called the Theology of the Body Broken. As we shall see, there is so much spiritual truth that comes when we reflect upon disease and death with eyes of faith. Both our own spiritual sickness, as well as the broader perspective of the Church, can enlighten our understanding of disease and death. And our ultimate destiny of understanding and embracing life everlasting will come paradoxically, when our body is ultimately broken as Christ did on the Cross.