Quote(s)
Gloria Dei vivens homo!
(The glory of God is the human person fully alive!)
Irenaeus, Against Heresies
Amen!
I think the time is right for a "theology of bodybuilding" as well:
for greater appreciation and deeper understanding of the
body's capacity for strength, endurance, and robust
fitness, to serve as a dynamo of charity toward
our neighbor and for the greater glory of God.
Fit for Eternal Life, p. xxii.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this quotation in a web periodical put out by the Claretians.
Alright, an Episcopalian friend of mine has had some good results employing the principles of Fit for Eternal Life (way to go Katey) and she asked me to compose a prayer for her church-based "Fit with Faith" group. In case it might be of use to a reader or two, I've included it below. (Those who have read Fit for Eternal Life will see how it parallels the major themes and virtues in the book. I'll also note that the poems and prayers in my writings are usually inspired by the style of the prayers of St. Thomas Aquinas. (This one was.)
A Prayer to Become Fit in Faith
Oh Generous God,
You have given us minds and bodies in your glorious image.
Grant to us the Courage
to train our muscles to show their true strength
and to train our hearts and lungs,
so that we may endure in helping others.
Help us build our Self-control
so that we may seek to eat and enjoy what we need to sustain us,
losing all desire for the excess that weighs us down in body and spirit.
Guide us towards Justice
so that we will devote to ourselves the time to grow fit
without depriving our loved ones of the time that we owe them.
Help us grow in Wisdom
so that we will pursue sensible methods of bringing out the best in ourselves,
and making our bodies Temples of Your Spirit.
Plant deep within us Faith, Hope, and Charity
so that people will know we our Christians by our loving actions
and so, that by growing fit in faith,
we may spur hope in our families and in our neighbors too,
so that they may share in the robust spiritual and physical fitness
that You would have us enjoy.
Amen