Jesus is both the fusion and incarnation of the mystery of God, of the corporal and the spiritual. Despite this, Christian instruction has relegated the human body to a dark domain.
Jesus taught us to trust our humanity and showed us that our physical experience is necessary and is the indispensable point toward the divine.
Ancient religious images were once quite erotic. The decency and benevolence of bare and naked imagery have degenerated into the malicious and taboo.
Just as we have tamed the Gospel and turned it into a means of social order and control, we have also circumvented the incarnation of God in the material world or, as Mother Teresa put it, “in his most distressing disguise.”
Just look at the longstanding touchstone of Christian tradition, the Eucharist: Real Presence in physical bread and intoxicating wine! We say “Body of Christ” as we place the bread in the hands or mouths of believers. Only after countless “communions” will truth dawn on us.
Our humanity bears the mystery of God and is unveiled by love.
Colossians 2:9-10 “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”
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