Spero News has just published my piece on the Theology of the Body. There is a strong scriptural call for a balance among mind, heart and body: Dt.6:4-5
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
Our piety reminds us of all three. When we pray the sign of the cross, we touch our head, heart and shoulders. Each time we pray we recognize the importance of this tripartite relationship.
The ancient Greeks used the image of a chariot to emphasize the importance of balance. In their image, the diriver represents the mind. The driver must have a clear direction. The horse, providing motive power, represents the heart. It must be strong and disciplined. The chariot represents the body. Linking the two, it must be sound.
I've put it in verse form:
Clear mind, skillful driver.
Sound spirit, strong horse.
Strong body, sound carriage.
Mind, body, spirit work as one…
Path to victory is clear
Of course, the path to victory (aka Easter) may be blocked by a few obstacles.
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