Here we are at the beginning of summer. Men and women are walking around half-clothed, hoping to get a tan, adoring the sun-god rather than the Son of God. It's almost impossible to find a movie or even a TV program without nudity displayed. On top of this, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet constantly try to exploit us by arousing our sexual desires. In the midst of this modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah, Jesus proclaims and commands: "What I say to you is: anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his thoughts" (Mt 5:28).

Thanks be to Jesus for telling us the truth that refreshes and frees. It's so good to know that we aren't just animals, true love can be found, sexuality can be redeemed, and we don't have to feel "dirty," degraded, and defeated.

Jesus knows we are weak, especially in the area of sexual temptation. However, He is strong. We are earthen vessels, but He is the Treasure within the temples of our bodies (see 2 Cor 4:7). We have sinned, but He has taken all our sins to the cross and washed us clean in His blood (see Rv 7:14).

Thank You, Jesus, for breaking the chains of sexual bondage, raising our bodies from the death of sexual sin, and making us pure as You are pure (1 Jn 3:3).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 18, 2013

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