Catholic Kermit

Today was day #2 (see day #1 here) of the highly anticipated lecture by Christopher West, titled “Priestly Celibacy and the Redemption of Sexuality.”  It was a presentation of Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” directed for us seminarians in our journey toward priesthood.  It was very rich in theological language, yet applied to our immediate lives, especially in the area of our personal sexuality.  It was very well received.

He used a lot of song references from the 80’s to highlight points.  I wrote some points for my reflection as I was trying to keep up:

• Theology cannot only be “in the head” … it must be “in the will” as well
• mysticism or neurosis
• Carl Rainer, “Christianity will be mystical or nothing at all.”
• Ephesians 5 is the summa.
• Marriage is liturgy and liturgy is marriage.
• A married man can become a priest, but not vice versa.
• First choose between marriage or a consecrated celibate … then discern priesthood.
• Sang Steve Winwood’s song “Bring Me a Higher Love“

See day #1 of lecture, with links on Theology of the Body & video of Christopher West.