Who is sick of talking/hearing about health care these days?? I know I sure am! Well, here’s a little different look at it for you, at least. In light of the ongoing debate on the subject in Washington and at town hall meetings throughout the country, Fr. Thomas Loya writes about healthcare and the Theology of the Body
Our bodies speak a language. They tell us how they work and what they need. All we have to do is listen to that language and do two things: give our bodies what they need and secondly don’t give our bodies what they do not need. When we do this we are guaranteed to be healthier which means we will rely less on a medical system or man-made healthcare programs. This in turn will dramatically drive costs downward and make healthcare more affordable for everyone, especially the poor. However this approach to healthcare requires self-discipline and virtuous and honest living. It requires changing some of our habits and re-educating ourselves about food, our bodies and our personhood. But this requires various forms of self-discipline and self-denial and politicians do not want to tell you that. Real healthcare is wholistic. It involves the whole person, mind, body, soul, spirit, emotions, habits, etc. This in turn calls us to look even at our whole culture. What aspects of American culture promote or work against wholistic health?
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and as such it is important that we take proper care of them. This means, quite obviously, eating right and staying fit through regular exercise. But that’s not all that is involved in maintaining a “healthy lifestyle.” As Fr. Loya points out, we must look at our “whole” selves – body, mind and spirit. In order to be truly “healthy” we must take into account, not only our physical well-being, but also our spiritual welfare and emotional stability. This means, besides a proper diet and exercise, maintaining an active prayer life, frequent reception of the sacraments, avoiding stress and immoral behavior and even keeping our minds sharp with reading, mind games or continuing education.
Says Fr. Loya:
Whether the government ever looks at healthcare through the lens of TOB or not, you can.