Why God Gave Us Bodies

God made the world-and you-on purpose. What is that purpose? Well, that’s what St. John Paul II went to great lengths to explain in his Theology of the Body talks, which Fr. Mike sums up beautifully in this video. With profound simplicity, Fr. Mike-inspired by St. John Paul II-shares the fundamental truths of this ingenious vision of humanity and sexuality. Made in God’s image and likeness, you are your body, and you are made for love. What you do with your body matters. You’ll have to watch the video to get the last and most powerful point. It’s amazing.
More Theology of the Body items from Ascension:
Joy-Filled Marriage (bit.ly/2zx2Inf)
The Gift: Your Call to Greatness (bit.ly/2E7xI06)
An Introduction to the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2Brs1bD)
Into the Heart: A Journey through the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2zzpSJO)
Freedom to Love (bit.ly/2ieTyIP)
YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2lSmxjp)
Theology of the Body for Teens: Middle School Edition (bit.ly/2rIOHUe)
Books
The Love That Satisfies (bit.ly/2Aewa4O)
Heaven’s Song: Sexual Love As It Was Meant to Be (bit.ly/2AjdOh1)
Theology of the Body for Beginners: Revised Edition (bit.ly/2BkPH0s)
Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (bit.ly/2vQgGRx)
Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (bit.ly/2nCKKLK)
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (bit.ly/2vG9KX2)
YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2raspVB)
Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:
Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (bit.ly/2sKUnJN)
Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (bit.ly/2sYtQaW).
- MORE FROM ASCENSION -
🔸Ascension App: link.ascension-app.com/lMuydd...
🔸The Great Adventure Bible: tinyurl.com/y6lfxzyt
🔸 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition: tinyurl.com/25nskztb
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#theologyofthebody

[@leobury7724]

For me as an ex druggie this really reinforced my strength in staying clean. God bless

[@suraiyamansoor9740]

Wise decision. Give up bad things in life if you live for God

[@TaylorBaylorO8O5]

I'm not a religious person, but I like listening to what Christians have to say about things in this manner. I hate all the debating and fighting, why can't people talk to each other like this Pastor is talking to his audience, with respect and passion. And though I don't necessarily agree some aspects of Christianity and the Bible, I do respect you. You've got yourself a new subscriber.

[@GP-dp4mr]

@@lahdgthfhdhr308 Priests are pastors

[@AboveAnyOther]

Taylor, Thank you. Keep that positive attitude.

[@myahjeanne]

That's great! I respect that.

[@kwasjemycat9236]

@@lahdgthfhdhr308 lol

[@abart2056]

​@@GP-dp4mr I think what she means to say is, a "Priest" is married to The Church, not another person and in other faiths, a "Pastor" can be and usually is a married man/woman.

[@briankelly85]

Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live...

[@jellybelly7629]

brian kelly I couldn’t say it any better. Nice job. God Bless

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@@jellybelly7629 And no bizarre possession by rebel angels, hopefully - who I do still not get WHY they were owed the SLIGHTEST access to this world...

[@caribaez5711]

I am 23 years old and I love theology of the body. I wish I could meet someone who loves this topic. This book sort makes me be a better Catholic and have respect about my morals. 🌙🌙❤️

[@janie3117]

Can you please respond to me so I know you have recieved this? Idk if others have gotten my responses. Thank you in advance!!

[@Donna-cc1kt]

Amen! Sending you love and respect.

[@bizarte24_]

Respect is overrated.

[@IDMD8]

I am an evangelical protestant and learned about TOB a few months ago - it has changed my life - marriage as a picture of salvation moved me tremendously - the Christopher West commentary is a must read - thank you

[@jayorilla3696]

Thanks Father Mike! I've been meaning to thank your videos..I was knee deep in trouble with vices, drugs and smoke man.. Learning more about God from your videos has really lifted me up..Jesus saved me..God bless you!

[@user-sr7xq5rb4c]

God bless you jayorilla3696

[@PadreJuanPabloOrozco]

Totally sweet! I remember the first time I heard a talk on the TOB, in Houston by Christopher West. I was heartbreaking, and life transforming. It resonated in my heart like all good Truth does. Now, I appreciated even more as I prepare to be a priest in seminary.

[@fragilechrissy]

Father Schmitz , thank you so much.I love you!

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

Thank You much! Well said! John Paul the Great is so awesome! TOB!!! Thank you for always being a father to us Fr Mike:)

[@alfredhitchcock45]

1. Purpose and Love 2. Image and Likeness 3. Body-Soul Composite: You are your body 4. What you do with your body matters 5. God is love 6. Jesus came to restore the brokenness that happened with the fall

[@Junior-zl3kq]

thank you bruhhhh

[@tMatt5M]

Instant classic. This video has viral potential.

[@marisa9971]

Ppp

[@wfm5121954]

There is so much truth in what you say. It causes me sorrow and I tell you that it is ok, Father Mike. What did other people do with my body seems to be the real truth, for me. It is not, what I did with my body to myself. I had an audience, with a pre-meditated agenda, to make me look like a pig and a pervert. To boot, God has left me sitting in the mud with it. What am I to learn from this? Another thought that came to my mind was about another pastor whom I like dearly. For the longest time, I was looking at him like the way a woman looks at a man. Then one day, I heard Jesus speak through his voice. I saw that pastor's authentic self. I see you, the same way. It has just come to my mind. I see your authenticity. I respect you. I had an epiphany last week. I am getting closer to God and he is letting me see and hear the truth. I truly need to hear the words. Living in my car, alone, has left me many moments for reflection and pray. God is working on me.

[@AscensionPresents]

You are loved Wendy and Christ is pursuing your heart constantly and desires to know you and you Him intimately in a way that will completely fulfill you. His love for you is as powerful and constant as Niagara Falls! You are in our prayers!

[@palyddon]

Fr. Mike only mentions Christopher West in passing, but I highly recommend his Theology of the Body for Beginners (Ascension Press). Only about 150pp., written in accessible language, but reveals the profound meaning of TOB, a truly beautiful gift to help us understand our right relationship with ourselves and with the Lord.

[@kimfleury]

Thank you for this reference!

[@isidorechukwuemeka1485]

How do I get it?

[@lorraineklimek1677]

Yes, I just bought this book and it is having a profound effect on me. I wish I had known about TOB when I was young.

[@AlphonseMenkefor]

Love is the decision by one person to will the good of another person and unconditional love is to will that good even if it kills you. Jesus Christ demonstrated His Love for us by His verbal, practical, demonstrative, redemptive, passion and sacrifice on Calvary. Thank you, Father Mike for simplifying Saint Pope John Paul’s biblical teachings on the exceptionality of the human body made in His image in “The Theology of the Body.”

[@acolish]

Epic video. The way you structured your content in concert with the editing is just brilliant. Now I'm headed to the library to check-out Theology of the Body!

[@AscensionPresents]

Glad Holy Spirit touched you, Deacon! Tons of TOB resources on AscensionPress.com if you need them :)

[@angelamccarthy4731]

Ascension Presents , what resources are available about TOB on your website?

[@beverlyhanlon8101]

Keep it simple Fr. God designed our bodies in His Likeness.

[@malfon12]

Father.....you have no idea how crazy this is.... Last night at out TOB Youth Group meeting, our advisor was giving a bit of an announcement to the group on really preparing for our upcoming retreat by reading our books and also just threw in that there are a ton of videos on KZbin. He specifically named you! And look at this, here's this video! It just really has me contemplating the profoundness of the Lord's timing. Anyone reading this comment, please please offer up prayers for our upcoming retreat in February! Not only for us serving it and our openness to being instruments, but for the youth living it that their hearts may be made open and ready to receive what God has to give them through us! God bless you all!!

[@AscensionPresents]

The staff here at Ascension Press are praying for you!

[@malfon12]

Ascension Presents Thank you so much!!!!!

[@matthewnoahm]

Prayers to your retreat!

[@andrewjackson3278]

Father mike is a legend!

[@jefftaylor5462]

All of your intros are horrible. Just come out of the closet Schmitzy

[@luciavillagomez6695]

Every single video I’ve watched is amazing Father Mike. You have every talent needed to move hearts through Social Media! God bless you, you are awesome! Thank you for your faithfulness and vacation. Thank you for talking about themes kids and young adult don’t hear anywhere else. The Holy Spirit is at work with you and you are doing great job! Praise Jesus‼️🙏🏻🔥

[@myahjeanne]

Amen!

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@pepe bastardes Who let the demons ONTO this world, ah, to begin with? And with powers not stripped?

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@pepe bastardes Unwitting man, you mean? TWO humans with no idea disloyal angels or other potential threats existed, or of the wider stakes beyond to their TWO lives, or even before they knew what good or evil was? So would they even think disobedience or death (and had any creature died yet, in their experience?) was bad?

[@jorgecampos5223]

Fr. Mike, in only God´s truthful love may all mankind be restored. Mary, the always Perfect Virgin Mary, always be with you. Amen.

[@k.m.1993]

Father, the teachings of the Church are so extensive and it can easily be daunting sometimes. You always offer guidance and direction to walk through all of this. Thank you so much.

[@AscensionPresents]

You are so welcome!

[@guidosforza9007]

We have to try and take care of our bodies as well. Not provoking harm on ourselves, junk food, drugs, too much coffee, sugar, harmful postures ( spine disorders) . A negative attitude towards religion and life affects us physically as well. Doing exercise regularly and a balanced diet is very recommendable.We have to live the years our Maker has programmed for us to carry out our mission. At present times there’s a very extended obsession/ preoccupation for our image and physical appearance. Some people inflict themselves so much pain to be thinner or good looking . Let’s rather work to be fit and ready for our service to our Saviour and our loved ones.

[@MariaPullatt]

Love love love this. Your videos make me appreciate my Catholic faith more and more each day.

[@poopingoode417]

Melissa Gardner Why are atheists obsessed with watching Christian content and going out of their to challenge their beliefs?

[@joeboxerrr]

John Paul II is amazing

[@freakygirl26]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours. It's really optimistic, it's educational, it gives hope. I think looking at ourselves as having worth,value, and purpose is so important. I also think looking at ourselves as vessels of God's love and divinity is important,liberating, and a great way to approach life and living. Thank you!

[@annaverhaegh6712]

Theology of the Body is an incredible and complex topic. Fr Mike has attempted to explain it and personally, it was one of the best explanations I've heard. St John Paul II is an incredible saint and such an inspiration! I'm sure we all miss him a lot.

[@julienmaamary5216]

I swear every time I have a thought about something i come across Fr Mike’s videos and the answer is there truly I feel God guides to your videos. Fr Mike God bless you🙏🏻

[@anniefleming4217]

every one of these videos is so packed full of wealth, truth and beauty and understanding. thank you father

[@carmelcastagna3007]

Great reminders on how to treat our bodies and how to treat others! Do not use anyone for anything! Thank you Father Mike!

[@maryannricigliano4856]

Love Fr. Mike! I always learn so much from him!

[@jamespriney]

Best summary of ToB I've ever seen. I've already shared and plan to add to Favorites for future reference. Great job, Fr. Mike...it was worth all the takes!

[@marisagpedelatorre]

God bless Father Mike!! Thank you for this message that brjngs hope to my heart!

[@paulhandsome1691]

I Love you Father Mike thank you. and Thank You LORD for good teachers

[@sharonholmes6083]

Best description of TOB in a nutshell, I have ever heard! Thank you, Fr. Mike!

[@heniag1205]

Thank you Father Mike for this video.🙏🏻💕

[@briankelly85]

To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear...

[@kyrawildfoot6265]

brian kelly I agree, but the average American's diet is terrible. Did you know baby carrots are literally soaked in chlorine? That in big food industries cow feed's main ingredients are corn and chicken manure? Corn might not seem bad, but it actually is, when used as a main food source. The manure comes from chicken houses, pitch black so they are calm and easier to catch, which are so crowded the chickens will trample each other to death. Then we eat these mistreated animals! The chickens' beaks are clipped to prevent harm to other crowded chickens. They live in their own manure, 24-7. We put chemicals in our food, toxic metals in our water (such as arsenic and mercury) and exercise less and less. There is a place for chemicals, but they should not be in our food. Also, Tyson kills pigs with a hydraulic press, for money efficiency. I am okay with eating meat, as long as the animals are treated humanely and given the nutrition they need, so I can get the nutrition I need.

[@MSoc1op]

Kyra Wildfoot We do not need meat to survive. All of the "nutrients" from animal products are derived from plants. Eat a plant-based diet and see how your mind and body transform for the better!

[@hazzmati]

Michelle S15 we are not herbivores

[@joannaforthewin]

I knew all these things but watching this video and hearing them from a genious person like you made me love my self more. If I love myself to the greatest degree I will feel the love of God and surround myself with loving humans. Best wishes to you father and all of you who read this. Learn live love.

[@joanna719]

Father Mike thank you for making these videos! I love listening to your videos and look forward to a new one each week. You make learning so much easier and interesting for me.

[@beam8250]

I love love love you Fr. Mike! You're the best ever ❤️.

[@ojiverdeconfleco]

Wonderful video, thank you!

[@swedishcrusader]

*The Lord be with you, Father!*

[@charityf888]

That reminds me of a book called healing is remembering who you are. When it says your body is love. It was a good book.

[@LinhVerbal]

Thank you. The Lord be with you!

[@jenniferarmstrong386]

Wow! This was summarized so beautifully! I never really understood TOB. But I really needed to hear this today!! It was a breakthrough just when I needed it. Thanks, Father Mike!!

[@tickedoffnow]

God you're so Educated Dude, Thank You teaching Us The Gospel :)

[@gjesy69]

Wow, amazing, you said all this so eloquently in 10 minutes!!! This is a go to for me from now on, as I stumble, it’s good to remember who we are and embrace our creator and all He has gifted us with, rise again and keep on loving 💖

[@kellylong2970]

Excellent as always! Thanks Fr. Mike!!!

[@yisselcoral9210]

Loved this! A professor once told me, “think of TOB as simply meaning: the body reveals God,”. Amazing.

[@edithbarber5790]

Father Mike you've explained so much more than a regular priest would communicate. Usually priest are awkward in communicating or they can't wait to end the conversation and move on to whatever is more press for the day. I must say it is easier to communicate online than in person to finally get a response to all our personal probing questions. Thank you for the enlightening videos.

[@747474ize]

Thank you so very much! Really has helped to discern the meaning and purpose of life. The second best video ever after “The Sign of the Cross.”

[@capdansolo7765]

This ... video... was... AWESOME!!!! Thanks for sharing Father Mike!

[@haybelportal9475]

Thank you Father Mike 🙏🏻

[@modestfitness9519]

Thanks for the video, Fr. Mike! It is so great!

[@vernamcfarlane7589]

Thank you so much for this great, clear, accurate, easy to follow, taste of what theology of the body is!

[@josephdemichele1299]

Fr Mike, I really enjoyed this talk , You nailed it, I totally get it !!!

[@thefrontlinetv]

Joseph DeMichele couldn't agree more

[@courtnehhh.2]

So beautiful! Thank you!

[@CloeFrancessca]

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU AT CONGRESS!!! You don’t understand how excited I am!!!!

[@patrickfoley4990]

Thank you Fr. Mike for the insight.It occurred to me also how intimate the recieving of the Eucharist is. Jesus made it possible to recieve Him bodily through the Sacrament of Communion.Jesus eternal gift of love.We recieve all of God, body , soul and spirit. A gift is only recognised as a gift if the recipient acknowledges it as such. I pray for myself and others that we are able to contemplate and understand the enormity of this gift as we recieve Jesus in the Eucharist . Amen.

[@user-dr4ef8st7w]

Thank you father for your sharing your wisdom with us.

[@whitewave16]

Very enlightening for me. Thank you, Father.

[@elisabethroesch4060]

Awesome, Father, thank you!

[@aidaruilova140]

Fantastic summary, Father Mike! Your videos are awesome--inspiring, knowledgeable, and your humor is wonderful. You make me smile every time I watch. Thank you for helping me stay close to God!

[@kelleydoyle3191]

I loved the graphics. The added visual really helped drive home the points. Thank you.

[@evamangels4167]

Amazing!! Thank you Father

[@kittycay2145]

I wish you had made this sooner! But I am glad you did now.

[@AboveAnyOther]

Thank you. Excellent synthesis.

[@rolandprovence986]

Bravo...I enjoyed this great presentation by Fr. Mike...this is the lively joyful faith that I have come to know as as Catholic Christian....Thank you for making the distinctions of the Catholic Christian view clear. I enjoy all the sacraments and I also relish learning to be a better disciple. This video and others greatly add to my life.

[@adrianortegarojas1920]

Great video and explanation made by you dear Apostle of Jesus Christ. Father Mike Thank you so much for your giving to souls, God will pay you and bless you. A big huge!

[@FreedomandBaconHomestead]

Great video and how truly amazing is the Lord's creation. God bless you, Father!

[@kimfleury]

Thank you! Now I feel prepared to delve deeper into ToB.

[@NewNoise1]

Thank you father mike!

[@borneandayak6725]

Fr. Mike is brilliant.....

[@sanoroo]

Always worth taking in and contemplating. Thank you.

[@justicewithers8902]

Sweet! The world really does need more real men like you!.Thanks for this.😊

[@jessicamurphy5882]

I've been having a hard time picking the bible back up again. You, Father Mike and your videos, give me so much hope. I'm going to try again. Thank you.

[@yaakovdaniels914]

Courage Sister! One step at a time. Your life matters...so persevere!

[@mountainjimjoy9387]

Great presentation. Very witty and educational.

[@poem1dmp]

Theology of the body video was very meaningful and helpful. It made me look at what I do with my life and body in a different way. That I want to rais the level at how I look at myself to a whole different way. It reminded me that I am a princess of God and I can feel like that. It is a modivation for me. God bless you

[@kelvinvillegas5310]

Thank you Father Mike. Your videos are really helpful =)

[@tsnook2]

Fantastic editing!

[@nestelberg5672]

Hopefully it'll take you to heaven.

[@bkp409]

Thank you, Father Mike. Very educational video and it's my first time to understand TOB!

[@michaelmcevoy5282]

Thanks for another great video Father. I'm sending you this message from Ireland. In the months to come the government here will hold a referendum to try and force abortion in to this country. I would greatly appreciate it if you and anybody who reads this would please remember us in your prayers and especially when you say the rosary so we can keep abortion out of our country. THANK YOU ALL 🕇

[@shadypenguinX]

To be honest, I think abortion should be allowed. Cause even if it is, nobody is forcing anyone to sin, if anyone does choose to abort its on themselves, . It can be a convenience and life saver to many people, and it’s notfor you to judge its for god.

[@adventureswithwhitney5219]

shadypenguinX abortion is killing. Are saying murder should be legal also? I was listening to EWTN today and it was said...when things are legalized they are made more legitimate and more avaliable. If abortion is made more avaliable the instances of it increase.

[@adventureswithwhitney5219]

Michael I will keep you and your country in my daily rosary.

[@michaelmcevoy5282]

whitney smith McIntosh thank you

[@michaelmcevoy5282]

Thank you

[@selahel7272]

I’m a atheist but listening to father mike, I can understand him! I respect him and he’s the most nicest dude ever! Preach it mike!

[@vincewyn1396]

"I must live the testament of Christ" - In his testament, just before dying, Jesus left me his word, his body, his mother, his Church, his priesthood, his new commandment, his mission, the duty to make all things one.” Cardinal Francis-Xavier Thuan V Nguyen 🙏🏻4us

[@kimberlyivanov7425]

Thank you for sharing this

[@jesusloverforever5762]

Great words🙏

[@etienne-victordepasquale668]

I like the structuring points. I like the way that they are brought up to reinforce the verbal message. Well done, Fr Mike. It might even be good to use this as a model for future videos, where possible.

[@verdadwhitefeather5239]

Wow, I really liked this presentation. Thank you!

[@Cratees]

Love this; nourishment!!!

[@survivinglife6007]

I love watching you talk in these videos! You're so filled with passion and love. Its amazing! Can you possibly make a video on the difference between being religious and just being spiritual please? Thank you!

[@JoeyKodet]

Surviving Life actually seeing Fr Mike and his excitement, makes his videos twice as good!

[@survivinglife6007]

Very true.

[@sherrydesmarais7032]

That was beautifully said Fr. Mike! I finally understand what the Theology of the Body is (sort of, lol!). Thank you!

[@BlindFaith777]

Great video, thank you Father.

[@maramcdonald9602]

You rock, Fr Mike!

[@loribothwell5493]

Father Mike, you make priests look Cool! Love ur videos and blessed by your ministry👼💖

[@ArrozConPollllo]

I never really paid attention to the TOB... I'm a 40 year old "old maid." I've always superficially related TOB to chastity and its endeavors (which is great)... Since I have no marital or familial obligations, all I have in the world other than my Faith and my job is bodybuilding 6 days a week to keep me focused, resilient and consistent. It really is the baseline of my overall well being. I like the idea of applying TOB to topics other than chastity, like with the gym and how I can continue to glorify God in that arena. Lifting has actually enhanced my Faith, and I'm excited to investigate the TOB thru that lens...

[@Grokford]

That sounds great, though I'll be honest, these nice reasonable premises are used for all sorts of unwarranted speculation on a variety of topics. Frequently sex-negative and sexist as you've likely noticed.

[@flaviofreitas4357]

Obrigado Padre. Deus lhe abençoe com muita paz 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@mihneetashianna]

Beautiful

[@defman9414]

Excellent presentation Fr. Mike. Well done. Thanks for working at it to communicate effectively the core of TOB. I like your bullets that you broke down the structure of the reasoning... the way you presented each one briefly and then did a recap several times. I don't like opera but I suppose it is like a good opera... with an aria and then the recapitulation.

[@janeking9239]

Awesome video as usual Fr Mike!!

[@JakeLindqvist]

Awesome. A good, sharp intro! Thankx

[@mchristr]

Thanks Fr. Mike. The corrosive Gnosticism in the culture and evangelical church has started me down the path to Rome. It's an exciting journey.

[@thebr5294]

Your a very powerful Catholic Father Mike.

[@johnsantony4697]

Let The Holy Fire of Gospel spread across the Globe.