WHAT IS HOLY PURITY OR CHASTITY?

WHAT IS HOLY PURITY OR CHASTITY?
WHO ARE CALLED TO IT
WHAT ARE THE MEANS TO LIVE IT ?

I came upon old article regarding a former winner of the famous Heisman Trophy, NFL player turned  broadcaster who was dumped by his girlfriend, a former Miss Universe, because he wanted to live up to his promise to remain virgin until after marriage.

And I just can’t help think of how much good he is doing to the men and women of our times, especially the young, with his great example to live the virtue of holy purity for love of God, undeterred by the mockery of some people who prefer to give in to their carnal desires, instead of living a pure heart, body and soul, respecting the dignity of the human person who deserves utmost respect and should not be instrumentalized to satisfy one’s instincts.

Holy Purity or chastity is the virtue by which we integrate our sexuality within our personhood, directing our sexual faculties in a correct, rational way, respecting its double and inseparable meaning of unity and procreation, inscribed by God.

Let us review what the Compendium of the Catechism teaches (the numbers below the question refer to the points of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for further study):

488. What is chastity?
2337-2338

Chastity means the positive integration of sexuality within the person. Sexuality becomes truly human when it is integrated in a correct way into the relationship of one person to another. Chastity is a moral virtue, a gift of God, a grace, and a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

489. What is involved in the virtue of chastity?
2339-2341

The virtue of chastity involves an apprenticeship in self-mastery as an expression of human freedom directed towards self-giving. An integral and continuing formation, which is brought about in stages, is necessary to achieve this goal.

489. What are the means that aid the living of chastity?
2340-2347

There are many means at one’s disposal: the grace of God, the help of the sacraments, prayer, self-knowledge, the practice of an asceticism adapted to various situations, the exercise of the moral virtues, especially the virtue of temperance which seeks to have the passions guided by reason.

490. In what way is everyone called to live chastity?
2348-2350
2394

As followers of Christ, the model of all chastity, all the baptised are called to live chastely in keeping with their particular states of life. Some profess virginity or consecrated celibacy which enables them to give themselves to God alone with an undivided heart in a remarkable manner. Others, if they are married live in conjugal chastity, or if unmarried practise chastity in continence.

492. What are the principal sins against chastity?
2351-2359
2396

Grave sins against chastity differ according to their object: adultery, masturbation, fornication, pornography, prostitution, rape, and homosexual acts. These sins are expressions of the vice of lust. These kinds of acts committed against the physical and moral integrity of minors become even more grave.

493. Although it says only “you shall not commit adultery” why does the sixth commandment forbid all sins against chastity?
2336 

Although the biblical text of the Decalogue reads “you shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), the Tradition of the Church comprehensively follows the moral teachings of the Old and New Testaments and considers the sixth commandment as encompassing all sins against chastity.

St. Josemaria once said, is not a negative virtue but rather a “joyful affirmation”. He wrote:

“When I remind you now that CHRISTIANS MUST KEEP PERFECT CHASTITY, I am referring to EVERYONE: to the unmarried, who must practise complete continence; and to those who are married, who practise chastity by fulfilling the duties of their state in life.

IF ONE HAS THE SPIRIT OF GOD, CHASTITY IS NOT A TROUBLESOME AND HUMILIATING BURDEN, BUT A JOYFUL AFFIRMATION. Will power, dominion, self-mastery do not come from the flesh or from instinct. They come from the will, especially if it is united to the Will of God. In order to be chaste (and not merely continent or decent) we must subject our passions to reason, but for a noble motive, namely, the promptings of Love.

I THINK OF THIS VIRTUE AS THE WINGS WHICH ENABLE US TO CARRY GOD’S TEACHING, HIS COMMANDMENTS, TO EVERY ENVIRONMENT ON THIS EARTH, WITHOUT FEAR OF GETTING CONTAMINATED IN THE PROCESS. Wings, even in the case of those majestic birds which soar higher than the clouds, are a burden and a heavy one. But without wings, there is no way of flying. I want you to grasp this idea clearly, and to decide not to give in when you feel the sting of temptation, with its suggestion that purity is an unbearable burden. Take heart! Fly upwards, up to the sun, in pursuit of Love!

St. Josemaria, Friends of God, n. 177.

It is important to underline what the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us in nn. 2348 – 2349:

All the baptized are called to chastity. The Christian has “put on Christ,” the model for all chastity. ALL CHRIST’S FAITHFUL ARE CALLED TO LEAD A CHASTE LIFE IN KEEPING WITH THEIR PARTICULAR STATES OF LIFE. At the moment of his Baptism, the Christian is pledged to lead his affective life in chastity.

” ‘People should cultivate [chastity] in the way that is suited to their state of life. Some profess virginity or consecrated celibacy which enables them to give themselves to God alone with an undivided heart in a remarkable manner. Others live in the way prescribed for all by the moral law, whether they are married or single.’ Married people are called to live conjugal chastity; others practice chastity in continence.”

CCC nos. 2348-2349

Dear friends: It is worthwhile to strive to lead a pure life! Without holy purity, there is no friendship and intimacy with God, and thus, holiness!

“TO DEFEND HIS PURITY, SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI ROLLED IN THE SNOW, SAINT BENEDICT THREW HIMSELF INTO A THORN BUSH,
SAINT BERNARD PLUNGED INTO AN ICY POND… YOU…, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?”

(St. Josemaria, The Way, n. 143)

Let us ask the help of our Mother Immaculate to keep us safe and lead us away from all the occasions which separate us from God. Mother most chaste, pray for us!

SEE AS WELL PRAYER FOR HOLY PURITY,
BLESSED BE THY PURITY
HERE.

FOR A SUMMARY OF CATHOLIC TEACHING ON THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT: THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY CLICK HERE.