St. Catherine & Battle for Purity – May 09 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 09, 2023, on the life and virtues of St Catherine of Bologna and how the acquiring of these virtues requires a battle against the passions, especially avoiding the near occasion of sin. It is a lifelong battle, but we should be hopeful in our vigilance.

St. Catherine of Bologna, a Franciscan, Poor Clare saint who was an example of humility, obedience, and charity. Her body remains incorrupt and seated in a chapel in Bologna. On her chair, we find the words of Scripture from Wisdom 4: 1-2 - Chaste generation praised, memory immortal - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/4?1-2. Chastity requires a conflict against passions. The Catechism reminds us in paragraph 2339 - Importance of self-mastery - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm#2339 that chastity includes self-mastery and human freedom. Either we govern our passions and find peace, or let ourselves be dominated by them and become unhappy.

In the battle for chastity, God gives us grace to overcome temptation. We must be smart and avoid temptation when possible. Vanquish temptation before it gets strong by avoiding near occasions of sin. Examples include not mindlessly scrolling on the internet, avoiding immodestly dressed people, and not putting ourselves in situations that can lead to sin.

Undefiled purity requires a struggle in every state and period of life. Even saints had to fight for chastity, and so do we. Be vigilant and confident in God's grace, but also be smart and avoid situations where we may be tempted. Remember the beauty of a chaste generation, as mentioned in Wisdom 4:1-2. Praise be Jesus and Mary, now and forever.

00:00 - Introduction
00:17 - Saint Catherine's Early Life and Background
01:18 - The Importance of Chastity in Saint Catherine's Life
02:03 - Chastity as a Struggle: The Role of Conflict and Self-Mastery
03:25 - Practical Strategies for Maintaining Chastity
06:04 - Vigilance and Confidence in Overcoming Temptation

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Catherine of Bologna - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=111
Readings: Tuesday 5th Week of Easter - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/050923.cfm
1st: act 14:19-28
Resp: psa 145:10-13, 21
Gsp: joh 14:27-31

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=641&r=1715

Also on Facebook:
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/QShLMSWFSyM