"Purity? They ask. And they smile. They are the very people who approach marriage with worn-out bodies and disillusioned minds. How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that, on seeing or hearing you, people would say: this man reads the life of Jesus Christ."
St. Josemaria Escriva
For Reflection:
Why does an unchaste life lead to "worn-out bodies" and "disillusioned minds?" Does my bearing and conversation speak of my relationship with Jesus Christ?
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"Guard your eyes that they may not look upon anything contrary to purity; your ears, that they may not listen to evil conversation; your mind, by banishing from it all suggestive thoughts; your heart, by stifling impure desires at their very birth."
St. John Baptist de la Salle
For Reflection:
How may I apply this sound advice to my life?
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"If you wish to prevent evil thoughts, let your eyes be modestly reserved, and make a league with them never to look upon anything which is not permitted you to desire."
St. Gregory of Nyssa
For Reflection:
St. Gregory of Nyssa recommends taking "custody of the eyes." What does this mean? To what extent do I take in through the senses that which is morally illicit - especially regarding chastity? How can I best follow St. Gregory's advice?
(See tomorrow's Grace Line to discover how to protect all of the senses from sins against chastity.)
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"When an evil thought is presented to the mind, we must immediately endeavor to turn our thoughts to God, or to something which is indifferent. But the best rule is, instantly to invoke the names of Jesus and Mary, and to continue to invoke them until the temptation ceases."
St. Alphonsus Liguori
For Reflection:
What advice does St. Alphonsus Liguori give for overcoming evil thoughts? What makes his suggestions effective? What makes invoking the names of Jesus and Mary especially effective? Which of these suggestions will I employ when I am tempted?
(See tomorrow's Grace Line for one suggestion on how to overcome evil thoughts.)
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"An evil thought defiles the soul when it is deliberate and is consented to. Our Lord placed evil thoughts at the head of all crimes, because they are their principle and source."
St. John Baptist de la Salle
For Reflection:
Evil thoughts come to all of us. When are they a defilement to the soul (a sin) according to this quote? Why are evil thoughts the "head of all crimes?" How are they the "principle and source" of sinful actions?
(See tomorrow's Grace Line for a way to overcome evil thoughts.)
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"Do not say that you have chaste minds if you have unchaste eyes, because an unchaste eye is the messenger of an unchaste heart."
St. Augustine
For Reflection:
What is the connection between what we look at and what we do? How is it that the eye is the messenger of the heart? What fills my eyes? How can religious artwork in my home and in my office, in my car and in my area of recreation help me to remain chaste
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"Purity? They ask. And they smile. They are the very people who approach marriage with worn-out bodies and disillusioned minds. How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that, on seeing or hearing you, people would say: this man reads the life of Jesus Christ."
St. Josemaria Escriva
For Reflection:
Why does an unchaste life lead to "worn-out bodies" and "disillusioned minds?" Does my bearing and conversation speak of my relationship with Jesus Christ?
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"Avoid those who in your presence are not ashamed to make use of scandalous words, and expressions of double meaning."
St. John Bosco
For Reflection:
How can foul language, sexual jokes, and expressions of double meaning lead to sins against chastity? Am I guilty of these? Do I participate even by listening? What effect has it had on my desire to live a chaste life?
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"Nothing can be more dangerous than evil companions. They communicate the infection of their vices to all who associate with them."
St. John Baptist de la Salle
For Reflection:
To what extent have I experienced relationships with others that have compromised my ability to live the virtue of chastity? Am I involved in any such relationships now? Am I willing to either change the nature of the relationship or break if off entirely to preserve my dignity and integrity with regard to this virtue? Why or why not?
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"Here was one lady talking about my pretty hair and another, just going out the door wanting to know who that very pretty girl was. The thrill of pleasure I felt made me realize that I was full of self-love. I am always ready to sympathize with the people who lose their souls - after all, it's so easy, once you begin to stray along the primrose path of worldliness."
St. Therese of Lisieux
For Reflection:
Why can beauty and over attention to appearance lead to sins against chastity? What can I do to reasonably guard myself from it?
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