RBWords

     One of St. Paul's principal pastoral challenges was to instill a sense of moral integrity in the communities that he founded.  The external law of the Mosaic Code was not part of his preaching, so there had to be an "internal law" which would guide an individual in making right decisions about living the Christian commitment.  The passage from 1 Thessalonians, which scholars date as the earliest of Paul's letters, shows that Paul was concerned about the usual moral challenges that plague all human communities, especially in sexuality.  Most importantly, Paul links the matter of sexual integrity to the call to holiness.  This connection is one that the Church has often lost sight of because of a negative attitude toward sexuality.  Perhaps more than any other aspect of human life, the Church has tended to connect sex with sin.  This has led to ignoring other very serious forms of destructive behavior, especially in economic and cultural matters:  power, poverty, hunger, discrimination and other socially destructive patterns and structures.

     The call to holiness is meant to penetrate ALL aspects of human conduct.  Purity of heart is more than chastity, although it certainly includes chastity because great harm can come from sexual misconduct.  Holiness will also include giving food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothing to the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned!  [Matt. 25:30-45]  The integrity of the link between holiness and personal conduct toward our neighbor is essential to Christian life.  Our baptism calls us to holiness.  St. Paul assures us that our efforts to live Christian life with integrity will be aided by the Holy Spirit.  The challenge is great, but so is the reward!   AMEN