Monday 27^th October – Monday of week 30 of the year

Reflection: Ephesians 4: 32 – 5: 8

SEXUAL LAXITY

Our perception of life goes a long way in influencing our way of life. If we consider life to be a stage on which to grab all that we can for the benefit of ourselves, we can only end up living purely for self-gratification which guarantees nothing but misery and lack of fulfilment in life. As Myles Monroe rightly puts it “when purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable”. If I lack the understanding of the purpose of life, I cannot but abuse it. In the same vein, when the purpose of sex is unknown, abuse is inevitable. Abuse of anything ultimately erodes the inherent goodness therein, because it runs contrary to the intent or plans of the manufacturer of creator.

By “abuse of sex”, I mean sexual immorality, sexual laxity. The “deployment” of sex beyond the boundary of divine purpose, which is conjugal unity and procreation within the sacrament of Holy Matrimony (CCC 2360- 2363; Hebrews 13:4; Genesis 1: 27-28). Our modern society has over time downplayed the primary intent of sexual relation; little wonder the attending consequences: increased prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), teenage pregnancy, abortion, rape, marital infidelity, divorce and heart breaks. St Paul gave a strong message against these in today’s first reading – “…You can be quite certain that nobody who actually indulges in fornication or impurity or promiscuity…can inherit anything of the kingdom of God…it is for these loose living that God’s anger comes down on those who rebel against Him.” Why should we deliberately set ourselves against God’s wrath for a fleeting “enjoyment”? Why should we want to jeopardize heaven for a transient pleasure?

As youths we must keep our passions in check. We must do away with all (lewd jokes, pornographic clips, indecent dressing, bad company etc.) that weakens our moral guard. Premarital sex destroys; it snowballs into marital unfaithfulness!

PRAYER: Oh Lord, I consecrate my body unto you. That in chastity I may honour you with my sexuality. Please strengthen me by the help of your grace. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 408 – How can you live as a young Christian if you are living in a premarital relationship or have already had premarital relations?

God loves us at every moment, in every “complicated” situation, even in a state of sin. God helps us to seek the whole truth about love and to find ways to live it more and more unambiguously and decisively.

In a conversation with a priest or a reliable, experienced Christian, young people can look for a way to live out their love with increasing integrity. They will learn that every life is a process and that, whatever has happened, they can make a new beginning with God’s help.

 HIDE A TREASURE:“Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?” 1 Corinthians 6: 18-19 RSV-CE

 Readings for Today: Ephesians 4: 32- 5:8; Psalm 1: 1-4, 6; Luke 13: 10-17