Msgr. Pope on the Maening of 'the Flesh' in Scripture

"There are many references to 'the flesh' in the New Testament, especially in the letters of St. Paul. The phrase is confusing to those who think it synonymous with the physical body. While Scripture many times uses the word 'flesh' to refer to the physical body, when it is preceded by the definite article, it usually means something more. Only rarely does the biblical phrase 'the flesh' (ἡ σὰρξ (he sarx), in Greek) refer only to the physical body (e.g., John 6:53, Phil 3:2, 1 John 4:2).

"What, then, is meant by the term 'the flesh'? Most plainly, it refers to the part of us that is alienated from God. It is the rebellious, unruly, and obstinate part of our inner self that is always operative. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the importance of appreciating what the flesh is and understand its moves; bringing this understanding to God through repentance; and (with God's grace) stopping feeding the flesh and starting feeding the spirit with prayer, Scripture, Church teaching, Holy Communion, and Confession.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission:What Does Scripture Mean by "the Flesh"? (27 MAR 23)