In a world that often celebrates instant gratification, we seek to understand the beauty and significance of living a chaste life according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Chastity, as defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is “the successful integration of sexuality within the person” (CCC 2337). It is a virtue that calls us to respect and honor our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
As a man loves a woman with a view to marriage, so one must love God
St Augustine
In our modern society, the call to embrace chastity can be challenging. However, the words of St. John Paul II remind us that “Chastity is a difficult, long-term matter; one must wait patiently for it to bear fruit, for the happiness of loving kindness, which it must bring. But at the same time, chastity is the sure way to happiness”
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
Sadly we live in a society where we don’t honor God with our bodies. It brings me sadness seeing how many men and women are going into platforms like “OF” to sell, in other words, their bodies. Just to make more money, St John Vianney would say the following if he was here.
Alas, you soon will see how mistaken you were.
Eduardo Verastegui a Mexican actor, producer, and many more things, has been chaste for 20 years. Being attractive, rich, tall, strong, and famous, the perfect man. If he has been able to stay chaste for 20 years, being the perfect man according to girls, we are more than capable to do it because we are average. We are not famous, strong, or rich…. Or at least not me. We don’t have girls that throw themselves at us.
If he could do it, we too could do it.
Eduardo mentioned how he thought being a man meant to sleep with lots of girls, but later he came to the conclusion that a real man was someone who had character, self-control, and especially fear of God.
Desiring love is not weakness. Weakness consists of settling for something less than love.
Crystalina Evert
Today more than ever is so easy to see inappropriate stuff, things like semi-naked people, porn, and more disgraceful stuff. Anyone could access it within seconds, and that’s scary for our youth.
Benefits of Chastity
Embracing chastity can lead to profound benefits, as stated in the Catechism (CCC 2338)
- It fosters self-mastery and inner freedom.
- It helps to form genuine relationships based on respect and love.
- It contributes to the pursuit of a healthy spiritual life.
Just think for a second, how profound would it be to looking at your wife/husband and telling them that you have been faithful to the your whole life. Wow, now that’s pure.
Purity is the glory of the human body before God
St. Thomas Aquinas
Overcoming Challenges
Facing challenges in living a chaste life is not uncommon. You will be tempted so many times. But let’s remember the encouraging words of St. Josemaría Escrivá, who said, “In the realm of the spirit, we are told that everything is connected, that everything is linked to everything else” (The Way, 110).
Seek support through prayer, the sacraments, and a strong Catholic community.
Eduardo also explained it very well in this next video clip
Let us remember that chastity is a journey, not a destination. By following the guidance of the Catholic Church, the wisdom of the saints, and the teachings of the Bible, we can strive to live a chaste life and experience the joy and freedom it brings.
I know it’s hard to make the promise to God that you will be Chaste until you find your future partner, but let meditate on what the Pope said
Only the chaste man and the chaste woman are capable of true love
We will be tempted, but let us be inspired by Saint Thomas Aquinas.
His family in an attempt to prevent him from becoming a friar, his family brought a prostitute to him. Tomás drove her out, chasing her with a burning stick.
HAHA 😂
I want to end with this phrase from San José Maria Escriva:
When you firmly decide to lead a clean life, for your chastity will not be a burden, it will be a triumphant crown.
May the grace of God be with us all as we embrace chastity and grow closer to Him, God bless you!
