Q. What is man?
A. Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made to the image and likeness of God.
The Soul and the Understanding
Without a soul we should have no understanding. Every man has a soul, although the soul cannot be seen. Amongst a company of friends the conversation turned upon the soul of man. While this subject was under discussion one of those present said to his neighbor: “You have no soul.” The one thus addressed asked, “Why do you say I have no soul?” His interlocutor rejoined: “Because I cannot see it.” “If that is so,” the other replied, “you have no intellect.” “I have no intellect! What makes you say that?” his friend inquired, in a surprised, almost angry tone. “Because I cannot see your intellect,” was the answer, “and certainly you give no proof of understanding if you deny the existence of your soul.”
Q. Is this likeness in the body or in the soul?
A. This likeness is chiefly in the soul.
The Martyr’s Last Word
The life of the soul cannot be destroyed. A holy martyr, named Philemon, who suffered death for the faith of Christ during the reign of the Emperor Constantine, gave the pagan judge who condemned him an explanation of Our Lord’s words: “Fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul,” in the following manner: Philemon,
