“HOLY WORDS OF JESUS”

NOTE: Today, as part of the “Father’s Reflections,” I am beginning a short series closely connected to a musical work by Harpa Dei.

Harpa Dei seeks to bring the words of our Lord Jesus to people through Gregorian chants. To this end, they will publish short videos on their channels. I am very happy to support this endeavor with my own brief meditations as part of the “Father’s Reflections,” using the words they have chosen. Since Jesus said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father!” (John 14:9b) and “I speak of what I have seen with my Father” (John 8:38), we also hear the voice of our Father in His words. Read More

Tenth Meditation on the Holy Spirit: Chastity

Holy Spirit, today I come to you with a special request which darkens the lives of many people.

The sense of chastity has been lost and for too many people it seems to be a relic of times gone by. If one speaks of it, one is often met with complete incomprehension, and even in ecclesiastical circles it not infrequently evokes a pitiful smile. Yet chastity is a fruit of life with You and a glorious gift that strengthens the dignity of the person immensely!

Why, O Holy Spirit, are we so little receptive to the beauty of chastity? Do we no longer have eyes to perceive the dignity of chastity? Have we already become so sexualised and thus indifferent to perceive its nobility, its inner strength, the integrity of a virgin?

Chastity does not mean a tense relationship to the sphere of sexuality, a fearful blocking of all natural impulses or the absence of any attraction to this vital area, but it does mean the ability to deal with it in a sensitive way.

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