© 2004
Theology of the Body (TOBET)—Talk to Teens
Introduction: Funny story about me getting trapped in the catacombs. Gist: I was in such darkness, I could not see my hand in front of my face; same with life sometimes: we are in darkness and cannot find the way; what is life all about. But I am here to tell you the answer. From all eternity—before the Father even created the universe—the Father wanted you to be HERE, right now to listen to this talk on the Pope’s TOB so you will be transformed.
I’ve worked with college students and now I work with high schoolers, and the most mature ones realize that they ought to ask the question, “Who am I?” and “What is the meaning of my life?” and “Why am I here on this earth?”
Well, the Pope knows the answer: He says that if you know and live the nuptial meaning of the body, you will “fulfill the very meaning of being and existence.” He also says that the communion of persons is the deepest thing about being human and that the TOB is the best explanation for knowing the meaning of being human.
My guess is that you have never heard of the nuptial meaning of the body, nor the communion of persons, nor the TOB until now. How, then, can you know fully the meaning of life? Well, let me tell you!! Be listening to the 3 central things I hope you take away tonight: 1. Since you are made in God’s image, you have dignity—you can decide on your life and you are meant to be a gift! 2. Since humans are made in God’s image, we cannot use each other in a bad way, nor ought we allow ourselves to be used. 3. Since Jesus has shown us the way and will heal us, there is hope, even if we have messed up.
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- Where does the Pope begin to see where we find the meaning of life for us all: JESUS. Jesus will reveal us fully to ourselves, (as Vat. II says) so what does Jesus say? He says, “In the beginning.” Jesus points us to Genesis. In fact, the Pope, following Jesus’ instructions says that Genesis 1-3 gives us the key to the meaning of life. So let’s look at Genesis. (Depending on time: Gen 1:27-8: God created man in His own image; male and female He created them. Gen 2:18: It is not good for man to be alone. Gen 2:23-4: This one at last is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; she shall be call…WHOAAAA, man (Hahn’s joke). Gen 2;25: The man and the woman were naked and unashamed (I would stress this passage if you lack time and say that the Pope says this passage is central—he must have been on DRUGS when he said that!!! J) Gen 3:4 Satan says, “You certainly shall not die.” Gen 3:6-7: They ate it and realized they were naked and so covered themselves.
- How can these passages possibly help us know the meaning of our lives? What do these have to do with deciding on our lives and being a gift?
- Man is made in the image of God. The Father gives his whole self (his love and divinity) to the Son and the Son receives and returns love. (Draw the ad intra diagram).
· - This means that we are to have self-possession and self-determination—come on you teens…you love this!! You want to decide on your life, have freedom. Well, you got it since you’re made in God’s image who first has self-possession and self-determination. (Give examples). You make yourself. To give into bad peer pressure is to go against true self-determination; it takes away your freedom.
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- This tells us that we too are meant to be gifts. The proper gift of self is the key to who we are. The more and more we give proper gifts of self, the more we come to know ourselves (Gaudium et Spes 24). Adam saw Eve and didn’t think…man what can I get from her (pause for a second). Rather, he thought…finally, another human to whom I can give myself. Now, how did he know that? Why did he know animals weren’t sufficient? Because of the BODY. Here’s where the TOB comes in. They were naked and unashamed…they knew through the male and female body (since they FIT together—come on…no sex education needed here!!) that they were supposed to give themselves to each other…and not only in their marital union, but in all things. The nuptial meaning of the body has to do with the fact that all people, married or not are supposed to give themselves in a loving way to others. Don’t think this is impossible for you. HOW can you be a gift?
· - You are a gift when you let your friend cry on your shoulder.
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- You are a gift when you respect your parents and help them without being asked.
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- You are a gift when you help a friend work through the death of his mother.
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- You are a gift when you help a classmate with her algebra (no cheating, mind you…that’s not a gift!)
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- You are a gift when you discourage a friend from wasting his life on drugs and alcohol, even if it means risking your friendship.
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- You are a gift when you stand up for those teachers whom students walk on often.
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- You are a gift when you play with your little brother or sister when you would rather talk on the phone or watch TV.
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- You are a gift when you go on mission trips or support those who help others in 3rd world countries.
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- You are a gift when you pray for your deceased friends/family members who may be in purgatory.
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- You are a gift when you talk to Jesus as a friend during the day and go to worship the Father through Him at Sunday Mass.
You get the point. Each of these entails a sacrifice, a gift of self. But the great thing is…is that while you are doing this…you will FIND yourself!!!
Monica Ashour can be contacted at
mashour@tobet.org
The Theology of the Body Evangelization Team can be reached at
info@tobet.org
