A SPIRITUALITY OF SEXUALITY (a reflection)

By Alexander Umenze

The power of sexuality in us is the recognition of the fact that we are co-creators with the Creator.
Sexuality is seen as a divine fire and for one to have a mature sexuality; one ought to be able to
see one self as product of the divine and should be able to look at what has been made alive
through the power of his sexuality devoid of selfishness. In this regard, sexuality is said to be the
center of the spiritual life, because a healthy sexuality is a single powerful vehicle that
presupposes selflessness and joy. Hence, the bedrock of sexuality is not simply to help is identify
ourselves; but to help us understand and channel our sexuality correctly. Irrespective of the above,
this task of sexuality seems not easy as it sounds, especially considering the fact that most of the
ecstasies that occur on the planet, the murders and suicides have their strong basis on sexuality.
It is important to state here that, for one to be able to direct and understands one’s sexuality, it is
paramount the meaning of sexuality to be explored. Sexuality is not out-rightly genitality (a
physical consummation of having sex) neither is it reducible to mere sexual fantasies. Sexuality
goes beyond these; it is an awareness of having been cut off. The Latin word for ‘sex’- which is a
verb, is represented as ‘secare’- literally meaning, ‘to cut off.’ Notwithstanding, sexuality is an all
encompassing energy in us that is identifiable by the principles of life itself. It seeks communion,
friendship, affection, family, community, consummation, creativity, joy humour and above all self
transcendence.
Arguably, a critical outlook in our society highlights the fact that most people misplace sexuality
with genitality; in this regard, they dispossess sexuality of its belongings and heaved them on
genitality- which is now reduced to mere having sex. As aforementioned, sexuality is a wide
energy and we can only claim to be living a healthy sexual life when we concretize this sexual
energy with love, community, family, joy affection, humour and self-transcendence in our lives.
From the foregoing, one can avers that sexuality is a beautiful, sacred, power energy given to us
by God and is experienced in every cell of our beings as an irrepressible urge to overcome our
incompleteness in order to move towards unity and consummation with that which is beyond us. A
vivid example of this is dramatized in the relationship between a mother and her child. When one
sees a mother beaming with delight and love for her child, for that moment, all selfishness within
her give way to the sheer joy of seeing her child happy. In this context, sexuality is been
concretized in its natural and mature bloom. Sexuality therefore, involves giving oneself over to
the community, friendship, family, service, creativity, humour, delight and even martyrdom, so
that with God, we can help bring life to the world and to others.