Sins of Impurity – Sep 01 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Sep 01, 2023, on how we must remain pure, and the way to ensure this is to avoid temptations and occasions of sin and to admit our weakness in prayer before God and ask for strength and so be able to see Him face to face in eternity.

God calls us to holiness, not impurity. St. Paul emphasizes this contrast, noting impurity as a frequent sin that separates us from God. Our Lord, in the Beatitudes, highlights the importance of purity: Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?8 - Matthew 5:8. On this first Friday, we honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, seeking to purify our hearts like His.

St. Alphonsus warns against impurity, terming it as hell's widest gate. Not the gravest sin, but the most common, leading many souls astray. This vice, deeply rooted in our nature, is so repulsive that even some demons avoid tempting souls with it. The prophet Hosea warns of its grip: They will not set their thoughts to return to their God, for the spirit of fornication is in the midst of them, and they have not known God - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hosea/5?4 - Hosea 5:4.

Impurity is dangerous, leading to habits and further sins like sacrilege. St. Alphonsus speaks of the shame that prevents confession and the sacrilege of receiving communion in sin. The Apostle Paul warns of the consequences: he that eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks judgments to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/11?29 - 1 Corinthians 11:29.

Yet, St. Alphonsus offers hope. No matter the depth of our sins, Jesus invites us: come to me all you who are burdened - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?28 - Matthew 11:28. To overcome, avoid occasions of sin and seek the intercession of Jesus and Mary.

00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - Called to holiness, not impurity
02:03 - Impurity is hell's widest gate
03:39 - Impurity leads to habit and sacrilege
05:11 - Avoid occasions of impurity
06:26 - Do not be discouraged; call on Jesus and Mary
08:38 - With their names, the devil will flee
09:17 - Purity required to see God

Ave Maria!

Mass: Friday 21st Week of Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/090123.cfm
1st: 1th 4:1-8
Resp: psa 97:1, 2, 5-6, 10, 11-12
Gsp: mat 25:1-13

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1485

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