For the present, my beloved sons, pray, love one another, be as little children: let yourselves be formed and guided by me alone.
Blue Book 17 o
Satan also attacks chastity because it is a social virtue. It brings the very breath of God- of purity, beauty, innocence, childlikeness- -to a world surfeited with sin and sexual aberration. So naturally, Satan is going to attack your chastity. God will allow it, so that you might grow in grace and purity while fighting this temptation. Chastity is a virtue that is so “social” that it astounds and amazes people in every civilization and in every age. Pagans remained chaste; chastity has been a virtue respected from time immemorial. It is the reflection of God’s face. So naturally Satan wants to blot it out. Take it for granted that you will have temptations against chastity. They will come on quiet feet. They will feed on loneliness and aloneness. But you will have the graces to fight them.
Grace in Every Season (January 27)
When society hears the word ‘chastity’ they think ‘celibacy’… even when you look it up that’s one of the definitions that they give you… but that’s not the entire breath of what the Catholic Church means by it. If it were, then only single folks would be called to it, but that’s not true. Being chaste is for everyone, I think as Catholic mothers, we are particularly called to it.
So while celibacy is about not entering into a sexual relationship, chastity sets a wider net, it is about the right order of our sexuality and all that goes with it… it is purity of thoughts, words, actions, the way we dress and conduct ourselves that emits enticing sexuality. It’s the fight against trying to look ‘hot’ vs. feminine and beautiful. It’s such a fine line at times, and the more we get entangled in society’s fads the harder it is to detected the difference.
And regardless of what some folks like to say, we don’t dress modestly or act chastely to protect our brothers from sin, although that’s one of the byproducts that may happen… I say ‘may’, because sin is not sensible… you could dress in a burka and some guys would be into that. So no… we do it because that’s the right order of things. We do it to walk with God daily and not be swept away. Sin is hideous.
And it’s not that sexuality is wrong… it’s that it’s so good, and powerful… and divine even (it has power to procreate) that it needs to be protected. It’s a flame that can easily go out of control. So easy in fact that it’s Satan’s most used tool. He uses it purposely to target God’s heart… knowing how to entangle His children…and he’s doing a mighty job. Just look at all the madness around us… divorce, abortion, abuse of children and of women, and the list goes on, that would be instantly healed if the world practiced chastity.
But today’s Blue Book message provides the answer. Pray, ask Our Blessed Mother for guidance in this area, let her guide and form you… especially if you are struggling with modesty in dress. Love one another, love truly… God has given us families, and parishes… don’t cut yourself off, that’s what Satan wants. Be as little children, embrace all the joy and beauty in life.