I am endlessly fascinated by the metaphorical and theological possibilities of the body. I speak about them often when I preach. I like how they both keep me grounded (my disabled body is a constant reminder of limitation and, indeed, possibility) and also let me soar (I’ve found no more wonderful thing on my pilgrimage of faith than to be part of the Body of Christ).
Some parts of the body attract more attention than others, however. The human face is compelling. It is the subject of great art and the focus of a billion selfies. Hands and the heart, too, have their interest. Women know only too well that certain parts of our bodies are fetishized. And men increasingly have become mesmerized by looking strong and fit.
Other body parts, meanwhile, are treated as shameful or unclean. I do not even need to mention them for you to be thinking about them.
