|
Introduction
 As Catholic men, we understand that our human nature was wounded by Original Sin. As a result, we have a tendency to be tempted and drawn to what is not good for us. Our emotions and choices are not always governed by reason. Our willpower is weakened as we give in to our own selfish desires. As Saint Paul says, “I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want” (Rom 7: 19).
It's easy to excuse in our own mind. Who am I hurting? It's my secret and no one will ever know. We may even convince ourselves that we somehow have earned guilty pleasure. We hurt those around us in often-unseen ways. Damaged relationships, time forever lost and destructive secrets in our heart. Pornography has been called a "rape of the mind" for those images live inside us even after we turn our eyes.
While much of the popular media makes a concerted effort to glamorize sex and sin, the truth about sin is that unhealthy, destructive, and separates us from God. We begin to replace true happiness with immediate gratification and short-term pleasure.
God calls us to be men of faith, to be leaders in our home, our work environment and our community of faith. We can never truly be the husband; father or person God calls us to be without confronting the issue of sexual sin.
For some men it may be your eyes linger as a women passes. Maybe you search online for sexual images or spend time in chat rooms. You may be reading this and be involved in sexual relationship outside of marriage. Whatever you are facing, Christ came to give us life, where there had been death through sin. He came to restore unity to our bodies and spirits, through His transforming grace: “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). The question is, are you ready to change and be the man God is calling you to be?
For many, the thought of living chastely seems an impossible task, yet God expects nothing less. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt 5:8). You don't have to face this alone. God always gives us the grace we need to live a Christian life. The Catholic Men's Fellowship of Pittsburgh is responding as we seek to strengthen, equip, support and educate men to transform their lives, turn from sexual temptation and fight for integrity and chastity all to the glory God. If you would like more information or are seeking non-judgemental confidential support please contact bill@cmfpitt.org or attend the next workshop.
|
