By Father John Catoir, JCD

We all need to understand our own sexuality, and there’s a lot to learn. If you want to have a peaceful and meaningful life it would be wise not to allow yourself to be taken-in completely by the surrounding culture of sexual freedom.

The men and women we see on TV dramas and   comedies are for the most part living promiscuous lives, and it shows. Most of them, even in the comedies are unhappy, depressed, frustrated, frightened, and often filled with rage. Lacking any spiritual depth, they are doomed to ongoing misery because they have not yet found their true home. “Our hearts are restless, until they rest in Thee O Lord.”- St. Augustine.

Self-control is a dirty word in our sexually-liberated world because it requires wisdom, strength and will power. Understanding God is necessary for finding peace and happiness. Jesus came, “That your joy may be full.” Disbelieve that at your own risk. God wants those who are called to marriage, to find a mate who will offer them the hope of a lasting bond of mutual love. He wants them to enjoy a cheerful home with loving children. This requires many skills that go to the creation of an environment of emotional comfort. A background of faith and spirituality will help to make all your dreams come true.

Let’s take a moment to examine how men and women are programmed. A man instinctively moves from attraction to sex to love. He wants what he wants. Hopefully he learns that one- night stands lead nowhere. Women, on the other hand are more intuitive, they move from attraction to love to sex. They have a deeper understanding of the fact that to live a happy life, they will need to attract a good man, and demand his respect. Their future depends on it.

Men in general are as good as the woman in their lives. A man is instinctively looking for a woman who will be faithful to him and help him to build a family. The long-range consequences of a promiscuous youth will weaken your self-control. Everyone needs a genuine spiritual life to be able to make a strong commitment to fidelity in marriage. Think ahead! Good men and women do not want to be promiscuous; it goes against the highest values of the human spirit. Human weakness however often leads to a neglect one’s spiritual life, and the loss of self-control.

In the old days, mothers taught their daughters to be careful about the way they dressed, and for good reason. To show up at a party immodestly dressed, where young men are drinking is a formula for danger with lasting consequences. Those who scoff at Mom’s old-fashioned ideas often pay a high price. The dismal statistics are in on the sexual revolution.

The divorce rate has nearly doubled, and one third of all children born in America are born to single mothers. This has led to much misery, economic insecurity, and in many cases life-long poverty. The chance for a good education is also lost to many children, while psychological problems abound. Drugs and alcohol abuse is sky-rocketing, along with teen suicides. So, beware my dear men and women.

The prevailing culture of sexual freedom can destroy your life if you let it. A word to the wise is sufficient

May the Lord be your strength and your joy.