Start with three minutes of silence or a piece of evocative music.

Part 19. Spirituality and Sexuality.

We don’t normally associate these two topics with each other, yet they are profoundly interconnected. Our sexuality is an integral aspect of our identity and is the prime mover behind our desire for union and communion with each other. Despite the common practice of regarding sexuality simply as a physical act, in fact it has strong symbolism and important considerations in our spiritual and relational wholeness.

The new morality of our culture has made sex mundane and superficial to the point of being almost trivial. Consumerist exposure of the human body and its functions has eroded its unseen, mystical element so that much of its spiritual dimension has been lost. This familiarity has indeed bred contempt in many women while many men see sex merely as sport.

Sadly this association of sexuality with base physical needs has pushed it to the opposite extreme from our spiritual self where it is an expression of uniqueness and union. Our spirituality is not dualistic in separating bodily functions and spiritual realities but rather it incarnates our spirituality in our body and thus dignifies our physical functions and puts them on a level with our spiritual stature.

Sexuality is a vehicle for our initiative and identity. It carries our beauty, our drive and our desire to give and receive pleasure. It has magnetic qualities which, when well held, give a delicious quality to interpersonal relationships. It enables us to know and respect personal boundaries and what is appropriate interpersonal encounter.

Sexual attraction as a force is ultimately more than merely for sexual union but as Rohr says, “The deepest inscription in the masculine soul is to generate life in others. It is probably why sexual intercourse is such a strong and relentless need in the male. He is not oversexed, but it is the way that God coded him for relationship and encounter. Otherwise many men would remain loners and self-sufficient.”

When Jesus says that: “Two shall become one flesh”, he is asserting that the union is profoundly spiritual in that two separate beings become joined as one in the spiritual realm. A spiritual tie and bond is formed which, though unseen, is binding and has significant consequences. This is why seeing sex as simply an urge to be satisfied does untold damage to the soul.

Our sexuality is not primarily for intercourse as it is for identity. We are all sexual in our identity and presence. As men and women we each carry a profuse array of qualities and perspectives which are each necessary in forming and enriching the community we belong to.

Each aspect of our being is a part of our spiritual self and thus sacred, needing to be seen and treated with deep reverence and regard. Our sexuality is our great gift.

Reflection (10 minutes in silence)
What do you find difficult about your sexuality? What do you need?

Journal
Write down some of your reflections.

Connect with each other in the group.

This week. Reflect on your inhabited self and start some expeditions to your wild self.
Read chapter 20 of Richard Rohr’s “From Wild Man to Wise Man”