Wednesday, May 15, 2013

490. What are the means that aid the living of chastity? (part 2 continuation)



490. What are the means that aid the living of chastity? (part 2 continuation)      

(Comp 490 repetition) There are many means at one's disposal: the grace of God, the help of the sacraments, prayer, self-knowledge, the practice of an asceticism adapted to various situations, the exercise of the moral virtues, especially the virtue of temperance which seeks to have the passions guided by reason.
“In brief”
(CCC 2395) Chastity means the integration of sexuality within the person. It includes an apprenticeship in self-mastery.
To deepen and explain
(CCC 2344) Chastity represents an eminently personal task; it also involves a cultural effort, for there is "an interdependence between personal betterment and the improvement of society" (GS 25 § 1). Chastity presupposes respect for the rights of the person, in particular the right to receive information and an education that respect the moral and spiritual dimensions of human life. (CCC 2345) Chastity is a moral virtue. It is also a gift from God, a grace, a fruit of spiritual effort  (Cf. Gal 5:22). The Holy Spirit enables one whom the water of Baptism has regenerated to imitate the purity of Christ  (Cf. 1 Jn 3:3).    
Reflection
(CCC 2346) Charity is the form of all the virtues. Under its influence, chastity appears as a school of the gift of the person. Self-mastery is ordered to the gift of self. Chastity leads him who practices it to become a witness to his neighbor of God's fidelity and loving kindness. (CCC 2347) The virtue of chastity blossoms in friendship. It shows the disciple how to follow and imitate him who has chosen us as his friends (Cf. Jn 15:15), who has given himself totally to us and allows us to participate in his divine estate. Chastity is a promise of immortality. Chastity is expressed notably in friendship with one's neighbor. Whether it develops between persons of the same or opposite sex, friendship represents a great good for all. It leads to spiritual communion. [END]

(Next question: In what way is everyone called to live chastity?)

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