we walk by faith (2 cor 5:7)
“Let him accept this teaching who can.” —Matthew 19:12
God’s ways are not our ways (Is 55:9). His standards are so high above ours, yet His grace, so lavishly outpoured, is so high above our expectations as well.
Living by God’s high standards of sexual purity is like walking on water. The temptations are so strong, especially in today’s secular culture, that most don’t even try to get out of the boat and attempt to walk on the water of a lifestyle of purity.
Some people, however, are like Peter; they leave the boat and start walking toward Jesus on the water of sexual purity, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 3:1). Whatever your vocation, Jesus is also calling you to be committed to living a lifestyle of sexual purity. If you take your eyes off Him, and fix your eyes on TV, movies, online videos, and other “enticements for the eye” (1 Jn 2:16), you will start to “falter” (Mt 14:31).
Jesus understands. He was subject to temptation. He knows our weakness, and loves us far more than we could ever understand. Instead of being permissive toward sin, He handed over His life so the Holy Spirit could be poured out on us without limit. Jesus has the highest standards of sexual purity, but He also gives the greatest grace for the greatest victory. Ask Him for the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13) and for victory over sexual temptations.
Prayer: Lord, this is my body, which is to be given up for You. In my weakness, Your power is made perfect (see 2 Cor 12:9). I trust in You.
Promise: “God indeed is my Savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord.” —Is 12:2
Praise: St. Maximilian lived the Gospel, giving up his life for a fellow inmate at Auschwitz. “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, through September 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 1, 2019"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.