Reflection, Jan. 14, 2007

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of January 14, 2007

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As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Spiritual empowerment and our human bodies

"Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?"
1 Corinthians 3:16a

How we relate to our bodies profoundly influences our spirituality, our inner wellness. Our bodies affect how we live and how we relate to one another. Spiritual empowerment involves living with our bodies one day at a time. We are embodied beings in need of sacred space. We have many emotions that are part of our body experience. For wholeness, our deep feelings need to be acknowledged, honored, and heard with loving discernment. When our feelings are too deep for words, they can help us pray. When we are teased, rejected, criticized, stressed, and exhausted, our bodies show symptoms and reflect a spiritual concern.

As a minister in the United States, most people that I encounter, young and old, sick or well, rich or poor, gay or straight, male or female, single or married, do not love their bodies. This is a significant spiritual concern. Our bodies are a sacred trust, but negative self-images often lead to subtle and overt acts of self-hatred. Our bodies need loving care and attention. We need to cherish and nurture our bodies physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in order to thrive and live up to our fullest human potential. Our bodies are God's gift to us. In sickness and in health, they help us pray. It is in God that we live and move and have our being. Our bodies require responsible stewardship for they are our portable chapels. Our bodies reflect a sacred trust. We are God's temples. God's Spirit lives in each of us. Try praying today about your body and your many feelings.

Many people do not realize that learning to live peacefully with our imperfect bodies can help us grow in inner wellness and personal empowerment. Often our first memories and awareness involve our bodies with feelings of pleasure, shame, or other emotions. We were never meant to live as disembodied people. Our bodies can help us get grounded and centered.

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16).

God, help us love and nurture our bodies as precious gifts from you. Help us experience spiritual empowerment as embodied people. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

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