Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, do you know that for a Christian, HAVING SEX can either be an experience of Dignity or an experience of Defilement? Let me explain…
A Christian, through his/her BAPTISM shares in the life of JESUS CHRIST. Thus, in the Biblical language, a Christian is a Co-heir with Christ (cf. Rom 8:17). Also, since at Baptism the Christian begins to have a share in the Holy Spirit, the Scripture rightfully calls the body of a Christian: ‘The Temple of the Holy Spirit’ (cf. 1 Cor 6:19). Have you seen the DIGNITY of the BODY of a Christian?
👉🏼Now, what the Christian does with his/her body can either promote its Dignity or bring about its Defilement. Thus, a Christian who shares SEXUAL intimacy with his wife or with her husband is promoting the DIGNITY of his/her body while on the contrary, if he/she engages in Premarital or Extramarital Sexual gratifications, he/she is bringing about the DEFILEMENT of his/her body.
Concerning the above, the Scripture affirms:
“Do you not know that your BODIES are a part of CHRIST? So then, should I take a part of Christ and make it a part of a PROSTITUTE? Let it not be so!” (cf. 1 Cor 6:15).
The Catechism also affirms the DIGNITY that is due to our bodies and how we ought to safeguard this dignity (cf. CCC nn. 364, 1004).
Finally, beloved friends, in a world where the BODY has been reduced to a SEX OBJECT, let us always reflect on these powerful words of Pope ST. LEO the GREAT thus:
“O CHRISTIAN, remember your DIGNITY, and now that you share in God’s own nature, do not return by SIN to your former base condition… Through the sacrament of BAPTISM you have become a TEMPLE of the Holy Spirit. Do not drive away so great a guest by evil conduct and become again a SLAVE to the devil, for your liberty was bought by the blood of Christ” (cf. The Office of Readings, Christmas Day).
We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary to always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen🙏🏼
(cf. CATECHESIS ‘NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE 2ND SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME (B);
READINGS: R1: 1 Sam 3:3b-10.19, R2: 1 Cor 6:13c-15a.17-20, Gosp. Jn 1:35-42)
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
