

He Leadeth Me | Chapter 9 | The Body
12 snips Mar 18, 2022
In this thought-provoking discussion, Father Walter Ciszek, an American Jesuit who endured 23 years in Soviet prisons, reflects on his harrowing experiences during World War II. He shares insights on the struggles between the body and spirit, particularly in oppressive labor camps. Father Ciszek emphasizes the necessity of prayer for spiritual survival amidst brutal conditions, revealing how the resilience of the human spirit can triumph over physical hardship. His reflections offer a poignant lens on suffering and faith.
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Brutal Introduction to Labor Camps
- Father Ciszek describes his brutal introduction to Siberian labor camps, shoveling coal for 15 hours straight.
- His body was unprepared after years of inactivity, leaving him exhausted and in pain.
Respect for the Body
- Father Ciszek criticizes the ascetic view of the body as inherently sinful and needing subjugation.
- He argues that sin originates in the will, not the body, and emphasizes respecting the body.
The Body's Resilience
- In the camps, Ciszek gained a new appreciation for the body's resilience and its role in enduring suffering.
- He learned to respect his body's ability to carry him through each day.