As summer rolls in, a lot of us start thinking about hitting the pool, chilling at the beach, or just soaking up some sun. With the warm weather, we tend to pay more attention to our bodies and how we feel about them.
Let’s be real: we all notice our bodies and care about how we look to others, just like we notice how others present themselves to us. It makes sense, right? Our bodies are the first thing people see when they meet us. They give away clues about our age and gender, and a smile or a frown can say a lot about what we’re feeling inside.
The Bible’s second creation story (Genesis 2:4-25) is pretty symbolic and tells us that our bodies hold the key to understanding our lives. When Adam was created, he took a good look at himself. He had eyes to see, ears to hear, a mouth to talk, hands to touch, and a heart that wanted to connect with someone. But he felt alone.
Then God created Eve. You can imagine she went through a similar realization—she was made for relationships, and being alone just didn’t cut it. When Adam and Eve finally met, Adam was like, “Wow, this is someone I can connect with!” They found in each other the companionship they were both looking for.
Our bodies show us that life is all about relationships. We’re here to love and be loved. It’s through our connections with others—whether it’s a casual chat with a neighbor, a deep bond with a partner, or our relationship with God—that we find true happiness and peace.
The bottom line? Life is about love. We don’t need to search far and wide for answers; just look in the mirror. Our bodies remind us of our purpose. God designed us to connect with others in all sorts of ways, which is what St. John Paul II called the “Theology of the Body.” In a cool way, our bodies show us who we are, what we’re meant to do, and what will truly make us happy.
So, as you hit the beach, high-five your friends after a game, hug your kids, or share a smile with a stranger, remember that our bodies are a reminder that we’re made for real love.
For more on this topic, check out www.ErieRCD.org/singer.htm to listen to Father Chris’ first talk on the Theology of the Body.
About the author:
Fr. Chris Singer is the chancellor of the Diocese of Erie and gave a lecture series on the Theology of the Body in Fall 2025. This piece is reprinted with permission from FAITH magazine in the Diocese of Erie (Last Word column).
