This difficult and sensitive topic is addressed starting with the reality that God loves us and wants what is best for us. He wants us to be free from sins of impurity. Hopefully, this homily and the articles and resources below will help those in need of assistance.
Readings: Ex 20:1-17; Ps 116; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25
The above picture is of booklets to help someone who struggles with impurity.
Bulletin Articles corresponding to the homily:
Impurity and Unchastity
Many people struggle with lust and impurity. Unfortunately, consumers of impure, immodest, and unchaste images are forming themselves to see others as objects rather than people. It damages ones’ ability to love since it forms the person to seek out pleasure for oneself, even at the expense of others. Not only does it damage relationships, it can and has destroyed marriages. Two out of every 3 divorces involved the use of impure images from the internet.
Jesus said, “everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt 5:28) So, viewing impure images, along with other sins of lust, such as engaging in the marital act with someone who is not one’s own spouse, is a serious sin against the 6th Commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.” Although, seriously sinful, Jesus wants to free us from our sins and bring us healing.
Here are some tips to help those who are struggling to overcome impurity and sins of lust. First, prevent the viewing of such images. Start by destroying all impure literature, magazines, videos, DVDs, video games, and all other sources of temptation. Regarding television, block/remove problematic channels or alter your cable package to exclude such channels. Avoid movies that would be a source of temptation by reading reviews from www.usccb.org/movies, www.pluggedin.com, and/or www.kids-in-mind.com. Use accountability and filter software to prevent/deter seeking out impure images online: www.CovenantEyes.com, www.SafeEyes.com, and www.SeeNoEvilOnline.com.
Second, receive the sacraments. God is looking to forgive all sinners who repent of their sins. The sacrament of Confession not only restores sinners’ relationship with God and the Church, but also provides graces to help avoid the sin in the future. Receiving holy communion (when not in a state of serious sin) grants us graces which strengthen us to resist future temptations.
Third, don’t keep it a secret, tell a trusted friend, priest, spouse, or anyone else that can help. Those who struggle with this kind of sin benefit greatly by sharing the struggle with others who can be a source of emotional and spiritual support.
Fourth, identify the weaknesses that leave a such person vulnerable to temptation. It might be a feeling: stress, boredom, lonely, sadness, fear, hunger, tiredness, frustration, etc. It might be a place, a time of day, or certain circumstances such as being with certain peers. Once the weaknesses are identified they can be countered.
Fifth, additional assistance may be needed beyond what was listed above. Please consider consulting a priest, a counselor, and/or websites designed to help habitual users recover from their struggle with impurity: www.integrityrestored.com, www.pureintimacy.org, and www.restoresexualhealth.com.
Impurity and Unchastity (Continued)
In last week’s bulletin I introduced the topic of impurity and unchastity, focusing on impure images and how-to recovery from using them. But what should be done if a person finds himself in the midst of the temptation? “Change the channel.” Like on TV, our minds can be set to or focus on a given topic. So, like a TV, change the focus to something else that is not sinful. Think of a beautiful nature scene, or sports statistics, or focus on some kind of puzzle or game. Even better would be to focus on God and the faith. Turning to the Lord in prayer can provide the strength needed to overcome the temptation. Prayers like, “Lord, grant me custody of my eyes” or, “Lord, keep my heart pure,” or praying a Hail Mary are examples of helpful prayers. By praying, you are turning away from the temptation, but also asking for assistance and opening yourself up to receive it. Lastly, praying daily for protection from the sins of lust, and an increase in the virtues of purity and chastity are helpful for avoiding and overcoming lustful temptations. One such prayer is provided below.
Prayer for Purity by St. Thomas Aquinas
Dear Jesus, I know that every perfect gift, and especially that of chastity, depends on the power of your providence. Without you a mere creature can do nothing. Therefore, I beg you to defend by your grace the chastity and purity of my body and soul. And if I have ever sensed or imagined anything that could stain my chastity and purity, blot it out, Supreme Lord of my powers, that I may advance with a pure heart in your love and service, offering myself on the most pure altar of your divinity all the days of my life. Amen.
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