"...One of the more surprising and disturbing phenomena that may occur during communion with the Lord is sexual disturbance or arousal. It is "surprising and disturbing" not because the phenomenon is in itself a cause for concern but because most people would never expect that in so holy an occupation there could be sexual repercussions. While they seem not to be so common, they do occur. Lorenzo, Saint Teresa if Avila's married brother who had chosen his sister as spiritual director, had experienced these disturbances, and he asked for her guidance. Her response was typical in its accuracy and decisiveness:



"I think the explanation of them must be that the soul's joy is so keen that it makes itself felt in the body...it will calm down if you take no notice of it. Several people have discussed this with me."



Since the human body is not a Cartesian soul dwelling within a body but a single body-soul composite, it is entirely normal than an intense spiritual experience may have bodily repercussions. Blushing from embarrassment and tears of joy or sorrow are other examples of this same basic reality, the profound oneness of the human person. Consequently, to experience sexual stirrings within a completely pure delight in God should be neither a surprise nor a source of worry..."



- Fr. Thomas Dubay, Fire Within

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