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]
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