Exploring Identity and Love: Lessons from St. John Paul II and the Sermon on the Mount

Amidst a world grappling with concupiscence and a toxic culture, we turn to the wisdom of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, exploring how we can transcend our fallen nature through grace and authentic love.

We confront pressing issues like the scandal involving British authorities and Pakistani gangs, questioning how gender ideologies has crept into our educational systems. By reflecting on the sacrament of marriage as a source of grace, we inspire young people to embrace its wonder and stand up against societal challenges with the light of Christ as their guide.

Inspired by the teachings of Jesus and Pope John Paul II, our discussion underscores the significance of living life abundantly and finding meaning through self-gift and sacrifice. Join us as we inspire a return to Biblical values and illustrate how love, courage, and truth can illuminate the path through contemporary issues.

Reference: Man and Woman He Created Them, A Theology of the Body, #107

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We're blessed to bring you this video, with the inspiration of St. John Paul II and St. Catherine of Siena.

With your financial support, we can bring you more like this. More importantly, with your support we can fulfill our important mission at the John Paul II Renewal Center, which has been growing since 2012. Tax deductible donations can be made at: https://jp2renew.org/

Thank you and may God Bless you,

The John Paul II Renewal Center team

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”
― St. Catherine of Siena

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Jack Rigert is a co-founder of the John Paul II Renewal Center and leads our outreach. He is also a writer for several online Catholic outlets. Previously, Jack was a professional chef and entrepreneur who owned restaurants, real estate, and a financial service company.

Dramatic “encounters” with Jesus Christ at his dying brother’s bedside and again in the Eucharist at his brother’s funeral, brought him back into the Church after a twenty-year absence. While attending graduate school in Theology, Jack came across the teaching of Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” He immediately understood that this was the treasure he had been seeking all his life, sold everything, and now travels the country presenting Parish Missions, Retreats, and Classes. Jack has three grown children and seven grandchildren. He lives in Elburn, Illinois with his wife, Jeannie and is an active member of St. Gall’s Parish, in Elburn, IL.

Linda Pieper is a retired Special Education teacher. Her life journey has taken many twists and turns with blessings and challenges alike. Born and raised in the Chicago area suburbs, she earned degrees from Illinois State University (Speech Pathology and Learning Disabilities) and National Lewis University (master’s in education). While raising young children, Linda taught in Special Education for several years. Her husband’s work transfer to the Atlanta area required a new endeavor landing in Alcohol and Drug Prevention instruction to DUI offenders and training of new instructors. A subsequent transfer sent her and her husband to Sydney, Australia where she delighted in meeting the people, learning the culture firsthand, and enjoying the beautiful and unique features of “the land down under.” Throughout it all, Linda’s faith was both strengthened through active participation in liturgy, prayer, and adult faith formation and challenged by a host of events involving her (by now) adult children and their life choices.

Working through issues of career and marriage choices of her children led her to the teachings of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Linda subsequently attended the Theology of the Body Institute and earned a certification. She became a founding board member of the John Paul II Renewal Center.