Purity Is Still Possible in This Internet Age
by Robert Locsin
Pornography has been called the “siknt epidemic”—onc that is widespread not just in the world but in the church as well. Studies have shown that in Christian circles, fifty seven percent of American pastors struggle with pornography. It’s also a major cause of divorce in three out of five cases. The Internet has only aggravated the issue given that even minors can access pornographic materials instantly and privately. It creates the habit of juvenile delinquency and erectile disfunction even of the very young, and encourages more grievous sins—including human trafficking in organized crime.
The good news is that there is help available to Christians in guarding their purity of heart and chastity. In a talc for the Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion to last September 19, on-going-formation speaker Fr. Vic De Jesus, S.J. spoke to the lay ministers of Christ the King Parish on the topic, “Purity is Still Possible in this Age of the Internet.. He reflected on the gift of sexuality, sexual expression, and the covenant of love between spouses.
He began on a positive note, quoting Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (NIV). Father Vic said that the sixth and the ninth commandment are positive commandments because they protect marriage and family, as well as the life-long commitment and promises that husbands and wives make. They also safeguard the the two purposes of sexual love—procreation and completeness.
On the practical side, he gave tips on how to avoid impurity and break the habit to pornography:
1. Have a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and spend time in mental prayer in Eucharistic adoration.
2. Have a devotion to the Immaculate Heart and form the habit of praying three Hail Marys before bedtime. These Hail Marys are should be specially dedicated to help fight against the temptation to impurity. 3. Have a prayerful dialogue with your spouse.
4. Reflect on the horrific and horrible effects of sins of impurity, which turn people to objects. Especially effective are reflecting on the end times.
At the final judgment, what a reward for those who’ve lived a pure life to hear Jesus’ words,”Well done, good and faithful servants. Come share your master’s joy” (Matthew 25:23).
