1. Theology of the Body for Teens
Seventh Grade Curriculum 8.2
Hope and Future: Daily Living out the Language of the Body

2. Bellwork Think of the characteristics of a true friend.
Answer the following questions with complete sentences:
1. Name four characteristics of a true friend.
2. If one of your friends was interviewed, what would be a weakness he/she might mention about you as a friend?
3. What would he/she say is your strong point in being a good friend?

3. Opening Prayer Dear Lord, you have given me the courage
To trust that you accept me.
Give me also the strength to love all the unwanted,
Just as much as you love me and accept me.
You know, Lord, that the unwanted
Are the poorest of the poor.
The rich can also be unwanted,
Just as much as the poor of this small earth
That you have given us.
Let us all be sharers
In the riches of your love.
Then we too will be able to accept one another,
In your Kingdom on earth. Amen.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

4. To the Core—Friendship
Read pages 94-96, stopping at “Family Love Speaks the Truth.”
Jot down the answers to these two questions:
1. How do sacraments make visible God’s love for us?
2. How can we show ourselves to be true friends using the language of our bodies?
Discuss.

5. Speaking the truth…with our bodies
Each group reads assigned section and decides on best answers to their question.
Group 1: “Family Love Speaks the Truth” (p )
How can family members use their bodies to be true signs of God’s love and commitment ? Give 5 examples.
Group 2: “Chastity Speaks the Truth” (p. 97)
How can we practice chastity in order to be truthful with our bodies? Give 5 examples.
Group 3: “Helping Others Speaks the Truth” (p )
What do the Corporal Works of Mercy have to do with Theology of the Body? Give 5 examples.

6. Speaking truth with our bodies
Example
Family Love
Chastity
Helping Others
Each group fills in the chart based on their conversations.
Each group explains its conclusions and examples to the class.

7. Be not Afraid!
In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
 ”If we let Christ enter fully into our lives, if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us?... Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

8. Video
Start at 12:30 – 17:25
“Where do I go from here?”
“Trivia”