Catholic reference for Overcoming the Flesh

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canonuevo

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Hi there

I just joined the Forum. I converted to the Catholic Faith in Dec 1996 and since then i find that the more I know about the Faith, the more that I know I need to know more! 😃 So that’s basically why i joined this forum.

Anyway, I was asked to give a talk to a group of young people on Basic Christian Maturity next weekend. My topic is “Overcoming the Flesh”. I would appreciate if you can refer me to Catholic sources about the topic. thanks!
 
Hi, sorry I can’t think of any sources right now, but I do know that devotion to Mary is very powerful for this 🙂 God bless!
 
I would check out The Theology of the Body. Either the full set of lectures by John Paul II, or the summary by Christopher West.
 
Here is what I think I would say if I were to give such a talk. Hope it’s a help to you.
  1. Talk about what flesh means (Romans 7). Explain the desires of the flesh. Explain how those who lead such a “fleshly” life shall not go to heaven (1 Cor 6:9).
  2. Is there any hope against this? There is. We have been born again in baptism and have been given the Holy Spirit. So we now face a battle with our own flesh (Romans 8).
  3. Our inner man is being renewed daily (2 Cor 4:16). Talk about this renewal. Talk about the fruits of the Spirit and contrast them with the fruits of the flesh (Galatians 5).
  4. End the talk by issuing a challenge - “For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8) Which one do you want to sow to? The flesh or the Spirit?
Here are all the scripture references that pertain to the word “flesh” in the New Testament. You will find them very useful.
quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/r/rsv/rsv-idx?type=simple&format=Long&q1=flesh&restrict=New+Testament&size=All
 
Thank you very much for the replies! Your (name removed by moderator)uts will be of great help. Really appreciate this 😃

@WesleyF: Thanks for pointing out to me Gal 6:8! I will indeed end the talk with that challenge =)
 
Forgot to greet you all a Happy Easter!!! Thanks again for your help! God bless!
 
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