TOB Session 6

The ethical problem 118-126

118 FAITHFULNESS TO THE DIVINE PLAN IN THE TRANSMISSION OF LIFE

The Church teaches that conjugal morality must adhere to the divine plan, distinguishing between morally illicit and correct methods of birth regulation. Abortion, direct sterilization, and actions intended to prevent procreation are morally wrong, while natural regulation of fertility is permissible. The essential ethical difference lies in that natural methods align with nature's cycles, while contraception obstructs the generative process. Even if couples using contraceptive practices have acceptable reasons, the moral character of their actions is flawed due to the intrinsic structure of the conjugal act. Natural regulation of fertility is morally positive, while artificial contraception is negative. This teaching emphasizes both normative principles and pastoral guidance, promoting observance of divine law. The theology of the body offers a Christian pedagogy, highlighting the true good of man and woman in their transmission of life, aligned with their dignity and divine law.

How does distinguishing between natural and artificial methods of fertility regulation reflect the Church's understanding of human dignity and the divine plan?

• Natural regulation of fertility respects the natural order and aligns with human dignity, following God's design. Artificial methods, by obstructing natural processes, violate the integrity of the conjugal act. The Church emphasizes that true respect for human dignity requires adherence to natural law. This distinction upholds the sanctity of marriage and the moral principles governing the transmission of life.

What is Conception? 

• The fertilization of an egg by sperm, leading to the beginning of a new human life, is regarded as a sacred event reflecting God's creative power.

119 CHURCH'S POSITION ON TRANSMISSION OF LIFE

Genesis 1:28; 2:24; Matthew 5:17-20

The Church's doctrine on the transmission of life emphasizes the need for balance between the "domination of the forces of nature" and "self-mastery" essential to human nature. The encyclical Humanae Vitae warns against the overextension of human control over life, asserting that artificial means undermine personal subjectivity, reducing humans to objects of manipulation. It stresses that the human body, as a vehicle for expressing the whole person, should communicate truth in its reciprocal relationships, particularly in conjugal union. The sacramental and personal dimensions of the conjugal act reveal its moral and theological significance, which artificial contraception disrupts by separating the unitive and procreative aspects. This separation detracts from the act's full meaning, transforming it from an act of love to a mere physical union devoid of truth. Therefore, artificial contraception violates the intrinsic dignity and interior order of conjugal communion. These points are framed within the broader context of the theology of the body and its reflections on marriage as a sacrament and the concept of concupiscence.

How does the Church's teaching on the balance between the "domination of the forces of nature" and "self-mastery" enhance our understanding of responsible parenthood?

• The Church's teaching highlights that true mastery involves self-control, which aligns with human dignity and divine law. Responsible parenthood requires this mastery, respecting the natural law and the full meaning of conjugal love. Artificial methods, by disrupting the unity of procreation and union, undermine the integrity of the conjugal act. Thus, the Church advocates for natural family planning, which maintains this balance and honors the truth of the human person and the sacramental nature of marriage.

What is Contraception? 

• The deliberate prevention of conception, typically through the use of artificial methods or devices, contrary to the procreative and unitive meanings of human sexuality. Due to the undermining of the dignity of the sacrament and the conjugal act, it undermines the dignity of persons also.

120 A DISCIPLINE THAT ENNOBLES HUMAN LOVE

Galatians 5:25

The Encyclical Humanae Vitae affirms the moral legitimacy of natural fertility regulation while condemning contraception as ethically unsound for responsible parenthood. It emphasizes the necessity of self-mastery and the recognition of family blessings for couples to exercise genuine love in marriage. Through periodic continence, couples manifest chastity and enhance their mutual love with a more human character, contrary to popular misconceptions. This discipline not only enriches their personalities but also fortifies family life as a community of persons. The theological and pastoral perspectives of Humanae Vitae find coherence in the broader context of Christian family ethics, elucidating the moral imperative of respecting natural law in regulating births.

How does the practice of periodic continence in marriage, as advocated in Humanae Vitae, contribute to the enrichment of marital love and the fostering of responsible parenthood?

• The Encyclical Humanae Vitae underscores that the virtuous regulation of fertility through periodic continence aligns with the Creator's plan, respecting the sacredness of human life and promoting marital chastity. This discipline, rooted in natural law and upheld by ethical motives, enhances marital love by fostering self-mastery and mutual respect. By embracing this approach, couples not only honor the divine order but also strengthen their familial bonds, embodying the theological virtues of faithfulness and responsibility in their journey of marital communion.

121 RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD LINKED TO MORAL MATURITY

Malachi 2:14-15

The audience emphasizes the integral connection between responsible parenthood and moral maturity, as expounded in Humanae Vitae and Familiaris Consortio. It underscores that the "natural" regulation of fertility, aligned with the biological rhythms of the body, reflects the inherent dignity of the human person. This approach necessitates a discernment of the body's language, encompassing both physical and psychological aspects, through which spouses communicate and achieve responsible parenthood. The ethical dimension of this regulation is crucial, emphasizing self-mastery and continence as virtues that uphold marital fidelity and foster family harmony. The Encyclical rejects reducing fertility regulation to mere biology, stressing instead its ethical significance in accordance with God's moral order and the interpretive role of a well-formed conscience.

How does the concept of responsible parenthood, as explained in Humanae Vitae, challenge contemporary views on fertility regulation and emphasize the importance of moral maturity in family life?

• Humanae Vitae posits responsible parenthood not merely as a method for limiting births but as a moral commitment rooted in understanding and respecting the body's natural rhythms. This approach calls couples to integrate self-mastery and ethical discernment into their marital relationships, promoting deeper communion and spiritual growth. By upholding the dignity of human life and the moral order established by God, responsible parenthood transcends utilitarian perspectives and enriches family dynamics with virtues of love, respect, and conscientious decision-making.

122 PRAYER, PENANCE AND THE EUCHARIST ARE PRINCIPAL SOURCES OF SPIRITUALITY FOR MARRIED COUPLES

Matthew 7:14; Titus 2:12; 1 Corinthians 7:31; Romans 5:5

This audience expounds on the spiritual dimensions of married life, drawing from the teachings of Humanae Vitae. Emphasizing the sacramental grace received through marriage, it underscores the vocation of Christian spouses to live out their commitment faithfully and joyfully. The encyclical highlights the integration of prayer, penance, and the Eucharist as essential for nurturing marital and familial spirituality. These practices are seen not merely as religious obligations but as transformative channels of divine grace, reinforcing the couples' witness to the sanctity of life and their cooperation with God's love. Through these spiritual disciplines, married couples are called to embrace their roles with strength and hope, guided by Christian realism and fortified by the Holy Spirit's love.

How do prayer, penance, and the Eucharist contribute to the spiritual growth of married couples, as articulated in Humanae Vitae, and why are these practices considered indispensable?

• The encyclical emphasizes that prayer, penance, and the Eucharist are not just rituals but powerful means of receiving divine grace essential for marital and familial spirituality. By engaging in these practices, couples deepen their commitment to God's plan for marriage, fostering love and unity amidst life's challenges. These spiritual disciplines align couples with the sacramental grace of marriage, empowering them to witness faithfully and joyfully to God's love in the world.

123 THE POWER OF LOVE IS GIVEN TO MAN AND WOMAN AS A SHARE IN GOD'S LOVE

1 Corinthians 13:6; Genesis 1:31; Ephesians 5:21; Romans 5:5; 1 John 2:16

This audience explores the spiritual dimension of married life through the lens of Humanae Vitae. It emphasizes love as a theological and moral power bestowed upon humanity to partake in God's love as seen in creation and redemption. This love, described as rejoicing in truth (1 Corinthians 13:6), reflects the joy inherent in authentic values, akin to the Creator's delight in His creation (Genesis 1:31). Despite the challenges posed by concupiscence, love strengthens the truthful expression of the body's language, enabling the redemption of the body's mystery. The audience reaffirms the integral role of love in maintaining the inseparable unity of marital communion and responsible parenthood, aligning with the Church's teachings on marriage and family spirituality.

How does the concept of love as a theological and moral power, as outlined in this audience, redefine the understanding of marital spirituality and the human experience of God's love?

• Love, viewed as a divine gift in marriage, empowers spouses to embody God's love through communion and responsible parenthood. This theological perspective underscores the transformative role of love in upholding the truth of marital unity and the dignity of human life, as articulated in Humanae Vitae. By aligning with this understanding, couples can navigate challenges like concupiscence, fostering a deeper spiritual union that reflects God's creative and redemptive love.

124 CONTINENCE PROTECTS THE DIGNITY OF THE CONJUGAL ACT

This audience explores the virtue of continence within the broader context of temperance, emphasizing its role in mastering sexual impulses and directing them in accordance with moral principles. Continence is not merely the resistance to carnal desires but a profound disposition of the will that fosters self-control and ethical discernment. Rooted in the scriptural exhortation to mutual deference out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21), continence is integral to preserving the truth and dignity of bodily expressions in marital relationships. It highlights the spiritual dimension of marital intimacy, where concupiscence of the flesh can obscure deeper values of love and freedom. The audience clarifies that continence does not diminish affective expressions but enriches them spiritually, fostering a more profound marital dialogue. Addressing objections related to the separation of the unitive and procreative meanings of the conjugal act, it asserts that continence harmonizes responsible parenthood with personal communion, thereby elevating the act's significance and affirming its moral integrity.

How does the virtue of continence contribute to the enhancement of marital intimacy while upholding the moral integrity of the conjugal act, as explained in this audience?

• Continence, as discussed, empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of marital intimacy with moral clarity and self-control, thereby preserving the dignity of the conjugal act. By harmonizing the unitive and procreative dimensions of marital relations, continence enriches affective expressions, fostering deeper spiritual and emotional connection between spouses. This virtue ensures that the conjugal act remains a manifestation of personal union and responsible parenthood, guided by ethical discernment and reverence for the inherent values of love and freedom in marriage.

125 CONTINENCE FREES ONE FROM INNER TENSION

Genesis 1:27; Ephesians 5:21

This audience delves into the concept of continence within the framework of Humanae Vitae, challenging the notion that it inherently causes inner tension. Rather, continence represents a spiritual endeavor aimed at authentically expressing the "language of the body" in both truth and profound manifestations of affection. It raises essential questions about the feasibility of moral law in the context of responsible parenthood, emphasizing the dignity and truth inherent in the conjugal act. Pope Paul VI's encyclical underscores the importance of viewing individuals as autonomous subjects, capable of moral decisions that uphold personal dignity amidst the complexities of human fertility and psychology. The virtue of continence, discussed here, enables individuals to navigate the mutual influences of masculinity and femininity, directing emotional responses and maintaining balance between intimacy and parenthood.

How does the virtue of continence, as explained in this audience, contribute to a deeper understanding of personal autonomy and responsible parenthood within the framework of marital spirituality?

• Continence, as discussed, liberates individuals from inner tensions by guiding emotional responses and directing them towards expressions of affection that honor both personal dignity and the integrity of the conjugal act. This virtue not only fosters a balanced approach to intimacy and parenthood but also underscores the moral agency of individuals in upholding the truth and sanctity of marital relations. Understanding continence in this light offers insights into navigating the complexities of human emotions and fertility within the spiritual context of marriage

126 CONTINENCE DEEPENS PERSONAL COMMUNION

This audience explores continence within the framework of the Encyclical Humanae Vitae, emphasizing its role not only in controlling bodily impulses but also in guiding the entirety of human sensuality and emotions towards a deeper, more pure expression. It distinguishes between excitement and emotion, asserting that both are integral to the conjugal act without being contradictory, as highlighted by Ephesians' call for mutual deference in marital relationships. Continence, crucial for balancing the unitive and procreative dimensions of marital intimacy, is presented as a virtue essential for responsible parenthood and spiritual growth within marriage. The "natural method" advocated by Humanae Vitae is underscored not merely as a biological practice but as a spiritual discipline requiring interior freedom and mature self-possession. Ultimately, continence fosters the personal communion of spouses, aligning with the theological and personalistic dimensions outlined in the encyclical.

How does the practice of continence, as explained in this audience, contribute to both responsible parenthood and the spiritual development of marital intimacy?

• Continence, as discussed, serves not only to balance the dimensions of marital intimacy but also to deepen the personal communion between spouses. By integrating the biological rhythms of fertility with spiritual maturity, continence enables spouses to express their love in a manner that respects both the unitive and procreative aspects of their relationship. This practice, rooted in mutual deference and self-mastery, aligns with the principles of Humanae Vitae and fosters a deeper understanding of marital spirituality and responsible parenthood within the Catholic tradition.

Outline of Conjugal Spirituality and Conclusions 127-129

127 CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY OF MARRIAGE POSSIBLE ONLY BY LIVING ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT

Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:25; Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:21; John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6

In this audience, the spirituality of married life is illuminated through the lens of the Encyclical Humanae Vitae, emphasizing that the foundational element is the gift of love bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon married couples (cf. Rom 5:5). This love is intimately connected to conjugal chastity, particularly manifesting as continence, which establishes the internal harmony of married life. Chastity, understood as living in accord with the heart's order, facilitates the proper development and significance of affectionate expressions within marriage. St. Paul's reference to "life by the Spirit" in Galatians 5:25 underscores that this interior order is not solely a product of human effort but also of cooperation with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The spirituality of marriage is intrinsically tied to these gifts, enabling spouses to fulfill their vocation to become "one body" as described in Genesis 2:24, relying on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, the audience highlights the importance of reverence for God's creation and the sanctity of the conjugal act, which fosters a profound respect for both the unitive and procreative aspects of marital intimacy. This respect, rooted in the fear of violating God's design, matures into a deep veneration for the intrinsic values of conjugal union and responsible parenthood, facilitated by the ongoing development of virtue and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

How does the gift of love from the Holy Spirit contribute to the spirituality of marriage, particularly in fostering respect for both the unitive and procreative dimensions of conjugal life?

• The audience emphasizes that the spirituality of marriage is sustained by the Holy Spirit's gift of love, enabling couples to live in harmony with God's plan. This gift, alongside conjugal chastity and continence, forms the core of marital spirituality, promoting a reverence for the sanctity of the conjugal act and responsible parenthood. Through the development of virtue and reliance on the Holy Spirit's transformative power, spouses can integrate both the emotional and spiritual dimensions of their union, thus fostering a deeper respect for their mutual dignity and the sacredness of new life within marriage.

128 RESPECT FOR THE WORK OF GOD

In this audience, the spirituality of marriage is explored through the teachings of the Encyclical Humanae Vitae, focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit's gifts, particularly piety, in fostering respect for God's creations. Central to conjugal spirituality is the understanding that the conjugal act, when safeguarded in its procreative potential, embodies the spousal meaning of the body. This act requires mature discernment and readiness for responsible parenthood, reflecting both the internal disposition and external circumstances of the spouses. Respect for God's creation prevents the reduction of the other spouse to mere objectification, liberating the couple from the constraints of concupiscence and nurturing a freedom of self-gift. This spiritual appreciation, rooted in the Holy Spirit's gift, enriches affectionate expressions within marriage, promoting a deep reverence for the beauty and dignity of masculinity and femininity. Such mutual respect and admiration create an environment conducive to personal communion and the faithful union of marriage, guided by the encyclical's principles of marital chastity and the sanctity of the conjugal act.

How does the gift of piety (respect for what is created by God) influence marital spirituality, particularly in fostering a deep reverence for the dignity of the conjugal act and the mutual respect between spouses?

• The audience underscores that marital spirituality hinges on respecting God's creation and upholding the dignity of the conjugal act as outlined in Humanae Vitae. This respect, guided by the Holy Spirit's gift of piety, empowers spouses to transcend mere biological impulses and embrace a profound self-gift to each other. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and admiration, rooted in reverence for God's design, couples can deepen their communion and uphold the sanctity of marriage in their daily lives. This spiritual framework not only safeguards the integrity of marital intimacy but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for the beauty inherent in masculinity and femininity, thereby enriching the marital bond in accordance with God's plan for human love.

129 CONCLUSION TO THE SERIES ON THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY AND SACRAMENTALITY OF MARRIAGE

Matthew 19:8; Mark 10:6-9; Matthew 5:28; Matthew 22:30; Genesis 2:24

In this final audience concluding a series begun over four years ago, the theme of "Human love in the divine plan" or more specifically, "The redemption of the body and the sacramentality of marriage," is encapsulated. Divided into two parts, the catechesis initially explored Christ's teachings, particularly emphasizing his words on the indissolubility of marriage, the spiritual aspect of adultery, and the resurrection of the body. The second part delved into the sacrament of marriage, drawing from Ephesians and Genesis to elucidate its theological underpinnings. Central to these reflections is the concept of the "theology of the body," which extends beyond the immediate scope of these discussions to encompass broader theological and anthropological inquiries. The encyclical Humanae Vitae serves as a touchstone, connecting these reflections with contemporary moral and theological challenges, urging a deeper exploration into the theology of the body's implications. This series has not only responded to the doctrinal challenges posed by Humanae Vitae but also pointed towards ongoing theological development in understanding the sacramentality of marriage and human dignity.

How does the concept of the "theology of the body" contribute to our understanding of marriage as a sacrament and its significance in the modern world, particularly in response to contemporary moral and theological challenges?

• The conclusion of this series underscores that understanding marriage's sacramentality requires delving into the theology of the body, as outlined in Humanae Vitae and supported by subsequent Church teachings. This theological framework not only elucidates Christ's teachings on marriage but also provides a robust basis for addressing modern ethical dilemmas. By anchoring marital theology in biblical truths and the theology of the body, we recognize marriage as a sacred union that reflects divine love and invites continual reflection on human dignity and the moral responsibilities inherent in conjugal life. Thus, this theological approach not only responds to contemporary challenges but also guides the faithful towards a deeper appreciation of marriage's sacramental nature and its profound significance in the plan of salvation.