Sex is a creative force in a person. As a bodily and
spiritual function it is not identical with sexuality. Sexual abstinence does
not at all kill the energy of sex, but transforms it into higher spiritual forms.
But abstinence (free or compelled) assumes that spiritual efforts are taken,
which in their turn become a source of new power, laying the foundation for a
blossoming of creative qualities in a person. That is why the way to spiritual
perfection opens up in virginity.
A split within the sexual instinct, which leads to
a separation between sexuality and the emotional experiencing of Eros (thirst
for love) is absolutely natural during puberty. However owing to the sinfulness
of our nature it frequently becomes a source of an internal conflict, which is
often very difficult to solve without correct spiritual guidance.
In the young age sex rages and disturbs the soul,
sometimes bringing sexual impulses to the forefront with burning force,
sometimes turning into "aloof" Eros and romanticism. This young
"instability" of sex, which creates unbalance and contradictions in
the searching soul, can be tormenting. However it is important to know that the
"mistakes of youth" are reparable, if they are washed away with tears
of repentance.
Sex may cause emotional and bodily sicknesses or
become a source of tragedy in one’s life. However within voluntary virginity it
can be a source of higher pleasures, opening up a great development opportunity
for the soul. It can become the beginning of salvation and a transfiguration of
one’s creative powers.
At present the sexual problem is put forward, so
that much of what used to be "secret" is shamelessly exposed. The
most intimate is discussed openly even with children, without being embarrassed
with such words as sex, condom, orgasm, etc. The popular term "free
love" does not mean love at all, but just fornication. Mankind, having
begun to resolve the problem of sex and love outside of Christian teaching, is
making fatal mistakes. Together with the vulgarization of intimate relations
evil and debauchery are multiplied, families collapse, which in turn leads to
the disintegration of society.
The Church teaches that virginity and celibacy on
the one hand, and marriage on the other both serve our
salvation, both open up space for our creative powers. We only need to hold the
rudder firmly and direct the boat of our life to God. We only need to
understand the truth and inevitability of carrying the cross for each person.
By carrying the cross patiently, whether on
the way of celibacy or on the way of marriage, the person grows morally,
and this is the main task of this temporal life.
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