Jen Ricard, executive director of Theology of the Body Cleveland, explained the concept of the program to attendees of the Feb. 14 Theology on the Rocks West meeting in Westlake.
Ricard told the group that Christianity is a lifelong journey.
Several years ago, she was involved with her parish’s youth ministry and was concerned about making a presentation to the teens, so she contacted the parochial vicar, Father Damian Ference, now vicar for evangelization for the Diocese of Cleveland.
`“I found such freedom falling into the arms of the Church,” Ricard said. Through her journey, she also forged a strong relationship with Father Ference. He remains close to her family.
The experience rejuvenated and strengthened her marriage and allowed her to be open to having another child, she said. She and her husband Frank had five children in five years, including a set of twins. She refers to their sixth child as a gift for which she is thankful every day. “Kids are a blessing, but it’s not always easy,” she told the gathering.
During her journey, Ricard learned about Theology of the Body, the title given to a series of 129 talks presented by Pope John Paul II between 1979 and 1984. The talks were based on a text he wrote before his election as pope.
“Theology of the Body is nothing new,” Ricard said. “Instead, it reorganizes ancient truth into a portrait of our salvation history that describes vocational life lived according to that story.” Although the teaching is not new. Pope John Paul II provides new terms and structure for presenting answers to questions about our creation and our purpose in life.
Her talk consists of two parts, the first presented Feb. 14, and the second, which will be presented in October.
She focused on what it means to be human, including our origin, history and destiny and the part of the catechism that corresponds. The second part, dealing with celibacy, marriage and sexual union, will be her topic in October.
Ricard asked the group to think about what it means to be human, referring to the story of creation, the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve.
“All of creation is a gift,” she said, noting how everything in the world is beautiful, in harmony and balance. “Every life has meaning, purpose and value,” she said. Even if we know a person who is difficult to love, that person is a gift from God to help us smooth out our rough spots – places that need work, Ricard said.
She reflected on the creation of woman, noting she was created from Adam’s flesh. He sees her as equal but different. “That’s why a man and woman’s bodies are different, yet they are meant for each other, for a union. “The moment God created man and woman, he ‘invented’ marriage,” Ricard said. Man and woman become one flesh in marriage and then they procreate.
As humans, we are created by God, we have fallen and yet we are redeemed. “We’re destined for heaven,” Ricard explained.
The birth of Christ is when everything changed, she said noting that his birth, life, death and resurrection give us the ability to live lives of hope. “He shows us true love of another, but often it’s painful,” Ricard said, referring to the crucifixion.
“Trust your life to God and he will lead you to joy,” Ricard said.
She explained how all the pieces of life and creation fit together according to God’s plan. However, we are not perfect – only God is. It’s an unfair burden to expect our spouses to be perfect because only God has perfect love.
“To be perfect, look to Mary,” she said, explaining that because of her sacrifice, Jesus took on flesh and lived on earth, making the supreme sacrifice that gives us a pathway to heaven. When Jesus died on the cross, he said it is consummated, Richard said.
“Theology of the Body makes sense. Everything is connected,” she added.
In the second talk, she said celibacy and priesthood will be the focus. Priesthood is not power, it is a life of service, Ricard said, pointing out that a priest lays down his life for the Church and priests act in persona Christi, in place of Christ.
“Theology of the Body matters because it provides us a roadmap to happiness, human flourishing and the satisfaction of the deepest desires of our hearts,” Ricard added.
The next Theology on the Rocks program on March 14 will be Deacon David Pecot speaking on “Seeking God’s Mercy and Forgiving Ourselves.” Registration begins at 6:45 p.m., with the program at 7. Cost is $15, which includes light appetizers. There is a cash bar. Click here for more information or to make a reservation.