Memorial of St. John Neumann, Bishop
(I John3:22-4:6; Matthew 4:12-17.23-25)
The First Letter of John indicates that belief in the incarnation
separates true and false believers. Its
writer accuses those who deny that God took on flesh of having a false
spirit. He doesn’t say whether they are more
like Manicheans, who hold the human body in contempt, or sensualists, who use
the body for pleasure.
In any case, the Gospel speaks of Christ as the light
shining in darkness. Among other issues he
enlightens people about the value of the body.
He never denies its inherent goodness although he warns about its abuse,
especially through lust.
The issue of the body has dimensions beyond sexual desire. Currently there is great debate about whether
the body is peripheral or integral to the person. Some consider that it is like an old computer
that may be discarded when it disfunctions.
Others, thinking in the way of Christ, say that even if its mental or
physical capacities fail, the body remains intrinsic to the person. This necessitates that the body should be
cared for despite the burden involved. Having responsibility
for a person in a persistent vegetative state or with Alzheimer’s will
challenge anyone. Nevertheless, it is our
Christian duty to care for loved ones in these conditions and to advocate for
their dignity in society.
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