Bishop Fulton Sheen Remastered

Archbishop Fulton Sheen, in the second session of the Dublin Retreat, addresses a pivotal misunderstanding arising from the Second Vatican Council regarding the priesthood. Diving into the Council's emphasis on priests as visible instruments of Christ, Sheen dismantles misconceptions and sheds light on the threefold office of Christ—teaching, governing, and sanctifying. Emphasizing the need for priests to empty themselves of ego and be lifted up as victims, Sheen underscores the centrality of the cross in priestly life. As ambassadors of Christ, priests find identity in Him, navigating a delicate balance between humility and elevation.

In this opening session of the retreat for the priests of Archdiocese of Dublin led by Archbishop Fulton Sheen in 1977, he reflects on the commonality of sin among all, emphasizing our shared need for redemption. Drawing inspiration from the story of Joshua in the Old Testament, he likens priests to brands plucked from the burning, showcasing God's mercy and calling. As he delves into the lives of biblical figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, Archbishop Sheen underscores that God chooses individuals not for their perfection but for their potential transformation. The session concludes with a call to priests to rekindle their love for the timeless truths of the faith and to reflect on Christ's question, "Do you love me?"

In this address, Bishop Fulton Sheen explores the humanity of Christ, emphasizing the often-overlooked aspect alongside His divinity. He delves into the contradiction presented in Isaiah and Hebrews regarding Christ being reckoned with sinners yet separated from them. Bishop Sheen explains how Christ's unlimited human nature, devoid of a human personality, encompasses the entire human experience. He explores the repercussions of Adam's sin and argues that through the incarnation, Christ incorporated the humanity of every individual. The address also touches on the concept of transference, with physical, psychic, and moral dimensions, illustrating how Christ bore the suffering, illnesses, and sins of humanity to bring salvation to all.

Bishop Fulton Sheen delves into the profound mystery of the Incarnation, explaining how God, in the person of Jesus Christ, united both divine and human natures. This intricate union, termed the Hypostatic Union, aims at redeeming humanity from sin. Sheen emphasizes the necessity for God to become man, as human actions, even when aiming to atone, fall short of addressing the infinite debt of sin. By taking on human nature, God, through Christ, becomes our representative, paying the infinite debt we owe to God. This enlightening discourse explores the theological intricacies of the Incarnation, unveiling the divine plan for human redemption.

In his enlightening sermon, Bishop Fulton Sheen takes his audience through the captivating journey of love, likening it to the unfolding drama of a theatrical play. He introduces the concept of love and courtship with a light-hearted approach, using the analogy of theater music before the curtain rise to describe the anticipation and excitement that precedes a romantic relationship.

Bishop Sheen expertly outlines the four distinct stages of romantic development. The first stage, "Togetherness," is marked by the innocent and carefree interaction between young boys and girls. Here, Sheen highlights the natural, uncomplicated relationships that exist before the awareness of sexual differences comes into play.

The second stage, "Separation," is characterized by a period of divergence, where boys and girls consciously distance themselves from each other. Sheen humorously notes the reluctance of boys and girls to be associated with each other during this phase, emphasizing its importance in allowing both genders to develop their unique characteristics and strengths.

In the third stage, "Crystallization," teenagers begin to view each other with a sense of idealization, often attributing extraordinary qualities to one another. Sheen delves into the psychology behind this, explaining how this stage reflects a deeper yearning for infinite happiness and love. He cautions, however, against mistaking this glorification for true love.

Finally, Bishop Sheen discusses "Courtship," the stage where true love and compatibility are tested. He proposes several criteria for a successful courtship, including affinity beyond physical attraction, sacrifice and selflessness in men, femininity and nurturing in women, and the ability to pray together. These elements, according to Sheen, are essential for a relationship that transcends physical attraction and aligns with divine love.

Throughout the sermon, Bishop Sheen uses humor, poignant anecdotes, and insightful observations to engage his audience. His message is clear: true love is a journey that goes beyond mere physical attraction, reaching into the realms of spiritual and emotional compatibility, ultimately reflecting the divine love of God. This sermon, with its blend of wisdom and wit, is a compelling exploration of the complexities and joys of human relationships, making it an ideal topic for podcast listeners interested in understanding the deeper aspects of love and courtship.