Catecismo para bárbaros. Clase 18: Sexto y noveno mandamientos. No cometerás actos impuros

Introduction and Context Setting the Scene

Overview of the Session

• The speaker introduces themselves and mentions they are in a different location with new equipment, hoping for good audio quality.

• They are conducting a camp with around 40 school children and some parents in San Martín de los Andes, Argentina, highlighting the beautiful setting.

Activities at the Camp

• The speaker notes that one of the fathers is friends with someone who manages a ski area, allowing them to ski during winter.

• Despite being sunburned from outdoor activities, they prioritize delivering their catechesis class rather than postponing it due to less-than-ideal conditions.

Class Structure and Resources Preparing for Catechesis

Class Content

• The session will cover two commandments simultaneously; links to supplementary videos on purity and related topics are provided in the video description.

• Four short videos are mentioned:

• Virtue of Purity

• Affections in Old Testament context

• Sins related to poverty

• Matrimonial fecundity

These resources aim to enhance understanding of the current lesson on purity.

Additional Materials

• A booklet created by the speaker about virtue and purity is available for those interested, especially for viewers outside Argentina via Amazon.

Opening Prayer Invoking Spiritual Guidance

Prayer Details

• The session begins with an invocation to the Virgin Mary through a traditional prayer emphasizing purity and trust in Jesus' Sacred Heart. This sets a spiritual tone for the class.

Main Teaching Focus Addressing Purity

Importance of Discussing Purity

• The speaker emphasizes that discussing purity is often avoided by clergy due to diverse audiences present during sermons, which can include children and families. They express regret over this avoidance despite its significance.

Reference to Saint John Bosco

The Importance of Purity and Virtue

The Sixth Commandment and Its Consequences

• Don Bosco highlights the significance of the sixth commandment, stating that its transgression leads to the ruin of many youths.

• He emphasizes that even if young individuals confess their sins, they often fail to acknowledge sins against purity, leading to incomplete confessions.

Examination of Conscience

• Many youths do not genuinely examine their conscience; instead, they seek ways to deceive their confessors about their sins.

• Don Bosco observes a group of boys condemned for impurity, some appearing well-behaved on the surface but hiding deeper issues.

The Role of Dreams in Guidance

• Don Bosco possesses a special grace allowing him to see truths or prophecies in dreams, which he uses as a tool for guidance and teaching.

• He frequently preaches against impurity and advocates for the virtue of purity as essential for spiritual health.

The Value of Purity

• Purity is described as a precious adornment that makes individuals friends with God and beloved by others; it is considered a treasure akin to angelic qualities.

• Losing this virtue can lead to significant spiritual downfall, comparable to an entire life collapsing without it. This loss can be rectified through confession but remains detrimental nonetheless.

Spiritual Implications of Losing Purity

• The text references wisdom literature indicating that purity brings countless blessings and riches; thus, losing it equates to being trapped in moral filth.

• Individuals who lose their purity may feel spiritually dirty and may rationalize continued sinning due to eventual confession opportunities.

Virgin Mary: A Model of Purity

• The Virgin Mary is invoked daily as an exemplar of purity; her virginity is highlighted alongside her motherhood as attributes worthy of reverence.

• While marriage is elevated within Christian teachings, celibacy is presented as a higher calling for those wishing to live like Christ fully dedicated to serving others without familial distractions.

Defining the Virtue of Purity

Understanding the Virtue of Temperance

The Role of Temperance in Regulating Sensual Pleasures

• Temperance is defined as a virtue that moderates the inclination towards sensual pleasures, particularly those related to touch and taste, keeping them within the bounds of reason illuminated by faith.

• The sixth commandment from the Book of Exodus addresses this virtue explicitly, stating "Thou shalt not commit acts of impurity," which can also be interpreted as "Thou shalt not fornicate."

• Fornication is technically described as sexual relations outside of marriage; if one partner is married to someone else, it constitutes adultery, which violates the sacrament of marriage.

Understanding Commandments Related to Purity

• The sixth commandment's prohibition against impure acts is further elaborated in the ninth commandment: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife or husband," both aiming to regulate temperance and purity concerning sexuality.

• These commandments are interconnected as they seek to uphold the virtue of temperance specifically regarding sexual conduct.

Insights from Father Horacio Bojorge on Original Sin

• Father Horacio Bojorge suggests that original sin has affected men more significantly in terms of sexual disorder compared to women. Men tend to seek dominance and exhibit greater lustfulness.

• This perspective indicates that men struggle more with visual temptation than women do, often being unaware of how their reactions are influenced by women's appearances.

Gender Differences in Temptation and Sin

• According to Bojorge’s analysis, original sin has led men to experience heightened lust while women face challenges related to modesty and urbanity.

• Lust and impurity are considered synonymous sins for men, while women may grapple with different aspects stemming from societal expectations.

Cultural Influences on Modern Temptations

• In contemporary society, many individuals fall into temptation due to cultural conditioning that prioritizes feeling over rational thought.

• Saints have noted that unlike other capital sins where temptation comes individually (like pride or greed), lust ensnares many through a collective influence akin to a net rather than hooks.

The Impact of Media on Sensuality

• Modern media inundates viewers with images designed for sensual appeal, contributing significantly to moral degradation and distraction from virtuous living.

• This pervasive exposure leads people—both men and women—to prioritize sensory experiences over intellectual engagement with reality.

Understanding the Hierarchy of Human Passions

The Role of Intelligence and Will

• The essence of human understanding is rooted in the intellectual soul, which allows individuals to perceive reality and truth. This knowledge is then communicated to the heart, or will.

• When one is passionate, their heart beats stronger; this passion is influenced by intelligence that reveals truth to the will, guiding it towards what is good.

• There exists a hierarchy where intelligence leads, followed by the will (heart), and finally passions. This structure enables humans to be enthusiastic about truth and goodness.

Physical Hierarchy of Needs

• The discussion introduces a physical hierarchy: basic needs like hunger (stomach) and sexuality (genitals) are positioned lower than intellect and will.

• A critique of modern society suggests an inverted hierarchy where base desires often govern behavior instead of rational thought.

Consequences of Inverted Hierarchy

• When passions dominate over intelligence, individuals risk losing their rationality, becoming less than fully human—reduced to mere instinctual beings.

• The speaker emphasizes that without control over passions through reason, one may regress into a state akin to animals affected by original sin.

Church's Stance on Sexuality

• The church's involvement in discussions about sexuality can be uncomfortable but necessary due to its moral implications as outlined in divine commandments.

• Modern society tends to avoid discussing sensuality openly; however, this avoidance can lead to a lack of self-control regarding sexual impulses.

Divine Intent for Sexuality

• Sexuality is not inherently bad; it was created by God as a natural instinct meant for procreation and personal fulfillment within marriage.

• God endowed humans with pleasure associated with eating and sexuality as reminders for maintaining biological existence—pleasure serves as motivation for survival and reproduction.

Pursuit of Purity

• The divine commandment "be fruitful and multiply" underscores the importance placed on procreation within God's design for humanity.

• Those who master their passions align themselves with higher faculties—intelligence and rational will—leading them toward purity rather than succumbing to base instincts.

Understanding Adultery and Purity

The Nature of Adultery in the Heart

• The speaker discusses the concept of committing adultery in one's heart, emphasizing that merely looking at an attractive person does not constitute a sin.

• It is clarified that temptation arises when one imagines impure actions or views intimate parts of another person, which can lead to sin in the heart.

Temptation vs. Sin

• The speaker explains that being tempted is not sinful; rather, it can strengthen virtue if one resists the temptation.

• A distinction is made between fleeting thoughts and lingering gazes; the latter can lead to committing adultery in one's heart as per Jesus' teachings.

Gender Perspectives on Temptation

• The speaker notes that women are generally less tempted than men regarding purity issues, referencing personal experiences from moral education.

• There has been a shift over time where both genders face similar challenges due to increased exposure to sexual content through media.

Impact of Pornography on Purity

• The discussion highlights how pornography affects perceptions of sexuality and contributes to moral degradation.

• Biblical references are used to illustrate the consequences of impurity, citing 1 Corinthians 6:9 about inheriting the kingdom of God.

Virtue of Purity and Its Challenges

• The importance of maintaining purity is emphasized, with a focus on controlling passions related to sexuality.

• Various ways individuals may sin against purity are outlined, including harboring bad thoughts or engaging in masturbation outside marriage.

Premarital Relationships and Their Implications

• Engaging in premarital sex (fornication) is discussed as a significant issue, with reasons provided for why such relationships should be avoided before marriage.

• The necessity for commitment before engaging in sexual relations is stressed, highlighting potential consequences for both partners involved.

Consequences and Responsibilities

• Emphasis is placed on understanding the responsibilities tied to sexual relationships within marriage and how they affect family dynamics.

Understanding the Struggle with Sin and Virtue

The Nature of Sin and Redemption

• The speaker emphasizes that explaining sin is not enough; one must also provide a remedy, highlighting the profound sense of freedom that comes from maintaining purity.

• It is noted that no one has guaranteed salvation, regardless of their spiritual journey or personal growth over time.

Ongoing Temptations

• The speaker acknowledges that temptations will persist throughout life, regardless of age or marital status, as long as humanity exists in its current state.

• Temptations are viewed as normal tests; overcoming them can lead to spiritual advancement rather than despair.

Pursuing Purity

• To maintain virtue, one should seek purity of heart. This does not mean being overly rigid or disconnected from reality but finding balance in relationships.

• Historical accounts of saints often exaggerate their purity, leading to unrealistic expectations about holiness and normalcy.

Normalcy vs. Sanctity

• The speaker humorously suggests that striving for sanctity should include a desire for normalcy; mental health is crucial for genuine spirituality.

• Acknowledging one's natural state is essential because grace builds upon nature; if one's nature is damaged, it hinders spiritual growth.

Practical Steps to Maintain Purity

• One effective method to preserve virtue is through "guarding the eyes," which involves avoiding situations that may lead to sin.

The Consequences of David's Sin

The Battle and Uriah's Death

• The narrative describes a strategic placement in battle where Joab positions Uriah at the front lines, knowing it would lead to his death.

• Following the attack from the city, some of David's servants die, including Uriah, highlighting the tragic consequences of David’s actions.

The Cycle of Sin

• David’s sin with Bathsheba leads to further sins; he orchestrates Uriah's death to cover up his adultery.

• Despite David’s repentance and prayers for his sick child, God decrees that the child will die as punishment for David’s sins.

Psalm 51: A Reflection on Repentance

• Psalm 51, known as "Miserere," is recited every Friday morning as a prayer for mercy and forgiveness stemming from David's acknowledgment of his guilt.

• The psalm emphasizes personal accountability for sin against God and reflects on the deep remorse felt by David.

Guarding Against Temptation

• The discussion shifts to the importance of guarding one’s eyes and thoughts to prevent falling into sin, particularly in today’s digital age.

• Practical advice is given about limiting phone use at night to avoid temptation and distractions that can lead to sinful thoughts.

Historical Example: St. Francis of Assisi

• An anecdote about St. Francis illustrates extreme measures taken to resist temptation; he threw himself into thorn bushes after being tempted by a woman.

• This act symbolizes a commitment to purity and virtue, leading to a miraculous rose bush that bears roses without thorns today.

Training in Virtue

• Emphasizes that training oneself not only involves avoiding illicit temptations but also requires discipline even with permissible things.

Discussion on Purity and Sensitivity

The Importance of Visual Discipline

• Emphasizes the need to train one's gaze, suggesting that while it is permissible to look at certain things, one should make an effort to avoid distractions for personal growth.

• Advocates for educating sensitivity by filling the mind with positive images, such as classical art, rather than negative influences from past experiences.

Cultivating Positive Imagery

• Stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with good imagery to counteract negative memories and thoughts accumulated over time.

• Highlights that purity is a valuable asset; displaying oneself inappropriately can lead to unwanted attention or danger.

Dressing with Intention

• Discusses how inappropriate dressing can unintentionally provoke others, particularly emphasizing modesty for women without advocating extreme measures like dressing as a nun.

• Points out that both men and women have responsibilities regarding their appearance and behavior; societal norms often challenge these views.

Virginity and Relationships

• Addresses misconceptions about virginity being solely a female concern; emphasizes that both genders are equally responsible for maintaining purity before marriage.

• Shares personal anecdotes about upbringing, stressing the importance of seeking virtuous partners who value chastity.

The Role of Words and Company

• Warns against engaging in vulgar conversations or sharing inappropriate content among peers, which can corrupt one's thoughts and perceptions.

• Encourages avoiding friendships that promote indecency or obscenity, highlighting the impact of social circles on personal integrity.

Spiritual Warfare Against Impurity

• Discusses spiritual battles against impure thoughts influenced by external stimuli like media; stresses the need for self-discipline in thought processes.

• References Jesus' teachings on overcoming demonic influences through prayer and fasting as essential tools for maintaining purity amidst temptation.

Mortification of Senses

• Suggests practicing mortification—self-denial in various forms—as a means to strengthen resistance against temptations related to impurity.

Discussion on Youth Engagement and Spiritual Guidance

Importance of Keeping Youth Occupied

• San Felipe Neri emphasized the necessity for young people to be engaged in activities that steer them away from sin, advocating for their involvement in various pursuits.

• Physical activity is particularly crucial for boys, as they need to expend energy; sports are recommended over idleness, which can lead to temptation.

The Dangers of Technology

• The early introduction of smartphones to children (ages 8-12) is concerning, as it exposes them to inappropriate content and distractions that hinder healthy development.

Spiritual Practices and Natural Means

• Jesus Christ encourages prayer with faith and fervor, highlighting the importance of seeking virtue through both natural means (like guarding one's sight and friendships) and supernatural means (such as penance and a life of prayer).

Intellectual Life and Prayer

• A strong intellectual life complements spiritual growth; dedicating even ten minutes daily to reading can foster a love for spiritual matters, helping individuals resist carnal temptations.

Confession and Purity

Frequency of Confession

• Regular confession is vital; one should not delay confessing sins against purity. Immediate confession after falling into such sins is encouraged.

Understanding Mortal Sin

• Sins against purity are considered mortal when committed knowingly with intent. This includes thoughts or actions outside the sanctity of marriage.

Conditions for Communion

• Individuals living together without marriage but engaging in sexual relations cannot receive communion unless they separate or cease such actions. They must live chastely if they wish to partake in sacraments.

Repentance and Change

The Nature of Repentance

• True repentance involves a desire to change one's life. Merely feeling sorry without intention to amend behavior does not suffice for absolution.

Overcoming Habitual Sin

• Frequent confession helps break the cycle of habitual sin. With humility in prayer, individuals can seek grace from God to overcome weaknesses.

The Role of Communion

Significance of Holy Communion

• Receiving Holy Communion while in a state of grace provides profound spiritual nourishment necessary for salvation.

Devotion to Mary

• Devotion to the Virgin Mary is highlighted as essential due to her purity; she serves as an intercessor who embodies the virtues believers strive towards.

Understanding Virginity

Conceptualizing Virginity

• Virginity encompasses both physical integrity before marriage and a chosen commitment towards maintaining that integrity until matrimony.

Redemption After Loss

Reflections on Relationships and Morality

The Importance of Commitment in Relationships

• The speaker emphasizes the desire to maintain a formal commitment to abstain from sexual relations until marriage, despite past experiences.

• It is crucial for couples to express mutual affection without crossing into eroticism; honesty and humility are essential in navigating these feelings.

Navigating Physical Affection

• The speaker warns against situations where couples may find themselves alone in compromising circumstances, stressing the need for clear boundaries in relationships.

• Discusses the moral implications of sexual relations within sacramental marriage, highlighting that certain actions are permissible as long as they align with church teachings.

Understanding Sexual Morality

• Within marriage, expressions of affection are acceptable if they conclude appropriately; this includes specific physical acts defined by traditional views.

• A Catholic spouse should not entertain thoughts of others during intimate moments, as this constitutes a violation of marital fidelity.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

• The discussion touches on masturbation being considered a mortal sin due to its nature of self-satisfaction outside the context of marital intimacy.

• Emphasizes that engaging in such acts contradicts the essence of mutual surrender inherent in healthy sexual relationships.

Concluding Thoughts on Moral Teachings

• The speaker notes that many struggle with vices like pornography and masturbation, which can be difficult to overcome once established.