Experiences of Growth: Physical, sexual, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual As our bodies grow physically and sexually, we are called to recognize the dignity of the human body, made male or female, in God’s plan for human life.

It is important for us to learn the difference between real love (in chastity) and using others. We are called to have custody of our emotions and to use our intellect and will to direct out feelings towards the good. We are called to be gifts of self to others and to practice virtue in our relationships with friends, family, and God.

Prayer and Scripture, spiritual mentors, good friends, family, and the Sacraments (especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation) are powerful aids to our journey through life.

Human Growth and the Purpose of Existence Perfect happiness comes from loving God and being loved by Him; other things that bring happiness in this life are foretastes of the love of God in Heaven. Every Christian is called to holiness. We have real examples of holiness in the saints. God’s grace is available to help us attain holiness and the perfect happiness of Heaven.

The Struggle between Sin and Grace Romans 7:15-25, and have a student stand and read it aloud: What I do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I concur that the law is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. Now if [I] do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, I myself, with my mind, serve the law of God but, with my flesh, the law of sin. B. What tension is St. Paul describing? Knowing the right thing, but not doing it. Do you think this happens in everyday life? we to understand that it does happen by describing everyday situations. For example, “Really? Do you clean your room the second your mother asks you to?”

Physical and Sexual Growth Our bodies and our souls are connected. Pope St. John Paul II once said, “You are your body.” Our bodies speak a language of their own. Our bodies communicate what is going on in our souls. What is going on in our bodies affects our souls too. How you tend to act when you are tired or hungry? Probable answers: impatient, cranky.

Emotional and Intellectual Growth There are three faculties of the soul: the intellect, the will, and the capacity to love. Intellect — Ability to reason Will — Ability to choose Emotions — Ability to feel The conscience is not rooted in feelings but is a reasoned application of the moral law to particular actions.