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91. The Production of the First Human Body

1. Holy Scripture (Gen. 2:7) says: "God made man ofthe slime of the earth." Earth and water mingled make slime.Thus the first human body has elements that belong to lifelessthings, and also to plants and animals. And man's soul is aspirit, like the angels. Hence man is called "a world inlittle," a microcosm, for he has in himself something of allcreatures in the universe: mineral, vegetal, animal, spiritual.

2. The first human body was produced by creation.{-The slime of the earth was not really material formaking a human being, and did not become human until the soul wasjoined to it. The human body did not exist as the human body untilGod's creative act produced and infused the spiritual soul.-}Creation is an act which precludes any medium; hence the firsthuman body was created immediately by almighty God.

3. Man's body is admirably suited for its connaturaloperations. God gives to every nature the best constitution andequipment for the purpose it is to serve. This is not absolutelythe best, but relatively the best-that is, best in relation to itspurpose and use.

4. Scripture fittingly describes the production of man,and indicates that other earthly creatures are made for man'suse and benefit.

"Let persons in the world sanctify themselves in their own houses, for neither the court, professions, or labour, are any hindrance to the service of God."
St Philip Neri

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"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"This is the greatest wisdom -- to seek the kingdom of heaven through contempt of the world. "
Thomas á Kempis

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