Holy Longing (Fr. Ron Rohlheiser)

Our reading from Paul's letter to the Corinthians this past Sunday reminds us that, for all that it can be a source of joy and fulfillment, one's body also has the potential to be a source of disorder.  In his book, The Holy Longing, Fr. Ron Rohlheiser, O.M.I, notes:

Sexuality is the extremely powerful energy given to us by God, which urges us to overcome our incompleteness.  It is also the pulse to celebrate, to give and receive delight.  In their full maturity these hungers culminate in making us co-creators with God… mothers and fathers, artisans and creators, big brothers and sisters, nurses and healers, teachers and consolers, farmers and producers… co-responsible with God for the planet, standing with God and smiling at and blessing the world.

The fire of sex is so powerful, so precious, so close to the heart and soul of a person, and so godly, that it either gives life or it takes it away. […] Sex is sacred.  Never casual, unimportant or neutral.  If its proper nature is not respected it becomes a perverse thing that works at disintegrating the soul.

In a committed, loving, covenantal relationship sex is sacramental, part of a couple’s Eucharist.  It is then a privileged vehicle of grace, an extraordinary source of integration for the soul, a deep well of gratitude.  It will open both persons (in a way that perhaps nothing else can) to becoming life-giving, gracious and blessing adults.

For a Christian, sex always needs the protection of a healthy chastity.  Chastity is not the same thing as celibacy.  Nor does it mean that one is a prude.  Chastity has to do with the appropriateness of an experience (sexual or other); we are chaste when we experience people, things, places, entertainment, sex in a way that does not violate them or ourselves.  Ultimately, chastity is reverence.

--Fr. Ron Rohlheiser, The Holy Longing, pp.196-202

To read one of Fr. Rohlheiser's thoughtful articles on this topic, 
consult his archives by clicking here.

Fr. Rohlheiser's book
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