One of my protestant philosophy professers said it in a nice way. "The armour of God was designed to get dirty in combat, not to be polished and locked in your castle."
@@BreakingInTheHabit I like Pope Francis’ metaphor. The church“a field hospital that takes in the weakest people: the infirm. I take that also to mean sick in poverty, sin, and spirit.
@BreakingintheHabit, but God told St. Francis “all of these can be yours” in reference to an ARSENAL OF WEAPONS AND ARMOR. To add to this, Francis was PRO CRUSADE! Therefore, weapons and battle are PERFECT metaphors for Franciscans in particular and Catholics in general. We are truly engaged in spiritual warfare and nothing short of such a strong metaphor can show us the true nature of our calling as Christians. God willed the Crusades for the defence of the Faith and wills now that we fight for the Faith whether that be in the political sphere, society, or (God forbid) on the battlefield. DEUS VULT. May God be with you in the fight.
An eye opener. I lived most of my life focusing on purity. To the point where I would not even pray if I sinned cause I would see myself unworthy. Im learning now that to really attain purity I need to lean on our Lord instead of trying to do anything by myself. Great video
Great observation! I believe sometimes God even allows (in his permissive will) us to fail so that we rely on Him more, instead of becoming prideful in relying only on our own white-knuckling strength. If we were perfect on our own, we wouldn't need God. Yet even the greatest saints were completely dependent on God's grace.
Purity is an active virtue, as all the virtues are. To view it as a solely a virtue of avoidance is a misunderstanding. It is also a misunderstanding to view it as solely related to sexual desire. So we don't need to disparage purity, but better understand it.
Yes! I view purity a bit as being scotchguarded. Those of pure heart, are out in the world but are not becoming stained by it. Or as being of such a clean heart that you just don't get double entendres.
This priest seems to strive to tear down things. I found this video to be a little ridiculous. A woman should not be going out and helping some homeless man by herself anyway. That could be dangerous. Sophistry
Purity is a state of grace. It is seeing with the eyes of God and not man. As with all grace, we need to conform ourselves to it and not presume or neglect it. Christ came to restore us to that holy innocence that doesn't look at another as objects or for what they can get from them. In the example given, the person may be pure or not, but definitely feels an attraction that would be sinful. Since this is clear, a pure soul would immediately seek someone else to aid the person in need of help. They would accept their weakness in humility and yet, full of God's love, seek to help in another way.
Christ began His ministry with prayer and fasting and was tempted after forty days of prayer and fasting. He didn't walk into obvious temptation but when it came upon Him, He had prepared His soul through that prayer and fasting so that He could conquer it. His whole life was a preparation for his death. His love endured because His whole heart, mind, soul and body were on the Father at all times.
Father, I'm protestant and have been criticised for taking in a homeless, alcoholic/ drug addict. I never could find words to describe what I felt about it all. I find it a great trial no doubt but felt I was doing the right thing. Thank you for putting this in prospective for me. I'm going to push forward,...with God's help. Please pray for both of us...and anyone reading... please bear us before the throne of grace.... thank-you.
As baptized Catholics we ought to TURN AWAY from sin, WE MUST RUN AWAY FROM SIN! Our baptismal vow is to renounce sin. This is a very bad catechism and a clear contradiction to teaching of our Catholic Faith! Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, WHATEVER IS RIGHT, WHATEVER IS PURE, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, DWELL ON THESE THINGS.
@@L1011MD11 I agree, but it is our focus in repentance that makes the difference. If we are always focused on the sin we are running away from, we will always be feeling like the victim of our desires. But when our focus is on running to and being in Christ, (in God), we take on an identity of victory over our desires and sins. So yes, we are running away from our sins and turning our backs to them, but basking in the live of God is a more fulfilling vjewpoint.
@@JoshAlicea1229 We are admonished to seek the Kingdom of God first and to avoid sinning as well. Our exile life on this fallen world is a constant battle between good and evil and by ourselves we cannot grow in holiness without the graces from God. Hence Jesus gave us the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. And according to St. Paul: Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING.
Yes, the world is evil enough to not require a new world. One was already more than enough, and, it's acceptable if it doesn't improve, despite those trying to change it to improve it. It does get worse for some reasons, which reasons may not all be all that bad.
"But the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law." Seek out the spirit first, and the tree of the spirit will naturally fruit, and do so bountifully.
Yes Fr Casey very often I going through wild thoughts Lust full thoughts , struggling with This sinful EVIL thoughts.please pray for me. India. Thankyou Amen
@@helenabara2092 hi I invite you for Eucharistic adoration with Divine Retreat Centre UK and Logosvoicetv on UA-cam and get your deliverance and healing.
I love how this video fits perfectly from the Gospel today. The Pharisees blasted Jesus for healing on the Sabbath because they only focused on their own good. Jesus teaches, per the Gospel from yesterday, that we need to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we place the desire to be “pure” over spreading the love of God to others (as we are called to do) we end up just a pure shell with no holiness inside. Great video, Father!
I have noticed a pattern of the Mass readings being very relevant to currenr events around when they occur. God knows before things happen, and He is with us in the midst of it all. Cling to Him, He went out to the darkness and being the Light of the World, He dispelled it. Let us be His "living reflection" to quote St Faustina. God bless you, brother. Through our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
@David Russell I mean specifically the Mass readings, not merely just the Bible. I was thinking it was Armageddeon for a long time, but that is exactly what the people who are wrong are saying. Even if it is, being a good Christian the perfect and only way to prepare anyway.
There is no conflict between being pure and following Christ so what you say is really a false analogy. The issue is how does one follow Christ when there is danger to one's own soul? All Church fathers will teach you there is nothing worth losing your own soul over. Sometimes the job needs to be done by someone else.
@Gerry Hagen That is just not true. The Muslim made it an issue of hating sinner and all non-muslims unwilling to convert were sinners. The Crusades were about protecting Christians from this hate.
Just to add another perspective, Father. There are many Saints in heaven who spent their earthly lives cloistered in prayer, away from the “messy world”. We all benefit greatly from their prayers whispered in lifelong solitude. I offer these thoughts respectfully. Thank you for your ministry. God Bless You
He obviously knows that, but for some odd reason, rejects it. I truly wish this young guy would stop making videos and confusing the faithful, as I've yet to seen one anywhere close to traditional Christian thinking.
I have found a lot of peace and joy in saying, "No" to things that I wanted and were not good for me. Saying, "No" helped me to say, "Yes" to a higher good!
Pure... Holy...it's all the same... What is key is that we can only achieve holiness (purity) through God's grace and the more we pray and build our relationship with the Lord, the more God will grace us. The saints are an example of real people that reach high levels of holiness that we can emulate.
Very true. In one hand, seeking purity though isolation or staying in your comfort zone (while still maintaining a close relationship with God), you DO avoid putting yourself in danger or “near occasions of sin” (which is a good thing). However, “avoidance” can lead to the spirit of SLOTH or “sins of omission”.
Dear Father Casey, as someone who is old enough to be your grandfather, let me say this is probably the best video you have ever made. And I don’t say that lightly. I have seen most of your videos. Some I vehemently disagreed with, but you nailed this one. Keep up the great work. Wishing you only good things.
I don't know how anyone can choose one order. I have always loved St Francis and I have always been drawn to Franciscan spirituality, but in learning about the other orders I see the incredible beauty in them too.
When you read enough of the lives of the saints, you see the same virtues and truths in all of them. We need Christ. That is all. (and He wants us to love the Blessed Mother too.)
Great reflection, like being healthy, which is good and something we all want, however not the end goal by itself. After all we use our health to enjoy life, rather than seeking being healthy just for the sake of it. Even some people who are not healthy can many times have a happier life than those who are "healthy", as long as God is on your side.
I am not sure that purity is ever actually described in scripture as simply the absence of sin. Pure devotion, pure love perhaps singlemindedness. I see purity as my goal. Do not create a false dichotomy.
I disagree with Fr Casey in regard to his example of someone attracted to a person they are not married to. First of all, the fact that the person was attracted and turned away from sin shows that they have already been tempted. There are plenty of occasions for sin without purposely putting ourselves into the line of fire. St Antony of the Desert, alone in his hermitage, was tempted. Second, one of the things we're supposed to do avoid the near occasion of sin. In this scenario, the person tempted should find a way to help the other without becoming directly involved.
A very wonderful teacher once said that in the 60's everyone wanted to go to the mountain top to reach God and find peace. She said that the people that shake you up are down here not up there. Down here is where the lessons are being taught, the hardships are being overcome, down here is where the Holy Spirit is, down here is where people are in need and you are to help. Up there you think you have found peace but it will last for a few days perhaps but down here is the reward that you seek. Joy is in giving of yourself.
Let's not be prideful but be respecting to God with everything of ourselves. Don't forget he said, "it's not the ONLY thing" (Read 12:1-2) As far as I am concerned, I can live without spaghetti, but without God I can't. Holiness will no way stand in the way of love. That's what true love is. Taught and expressed by Jesus. Fr. tried to say don't let any holiness come to you that limits your love. "Life of service and humility" as father said, that's what I would very much like to see. Christians are to engage in everything and change it. Transform it... He also said "transform and heal" the world! Jesus appointed his apostles and call everyone to change the world with love. In history it has been many times, many times it hasn't. Still we will keep loving. Thank you father. Thank you everyone. God bless you...
I know you probably won’t see this or respond, but I’m a Protestant teenager who’s been binge-watching your videos, and this one in particular really spoke to me. I’ve been feeling kind of apathetic about my relationship with God (as hard as that is to admit) recently, but I feel much less anxious about my future and where I stand with Him the more I watch you. (I’m also very curious as to what your favorite Star Wars movie is. 😉) Thank you Father Casey!
@@BreakingInTheHabit I actually agree with your list! Attack of the Clones was awful haha. I completely understand if you’d say no, but would I be able to contact you somewhere to talk about a personal matter? It’s been kind of bottled up and I feel torn on what to do.
I understand your exposition, father. We've also been taught that fasting should not only be the deprivation of the flesh but the indulgence of the spirit. Deny the flesh and fill the spirit with more of God or service of neighbor. In the same way, "pure of heart" in the Beatitudes is also translated as "single-hearted for God" which means focusing on pursuing His will - a positive act.
Pride leads to pursuit of false, closed-off purity, and vice versa. It is humility and charity that lead to true purity. Before those in heaven were made pure in God, they were first of all humble in their love.
Father, Great insight! Never approached purity in this manner. Something to really ponder - purity is an effect of holiness, not an end to itself. Really needed to hear this! But, I must beg to differ, it's GELATO that's God's gift to humanity! 😇 Deacon Paul Diocese of St. Augustine
The only thing I'll disagree with what you said is that God only gave us one gift! I'm a Catholic, which means I'm for both/and: spaghetti AND gelato are gifts from God!
@@horouathos8199 Sin is not just things that we do but things we fail to do. No one does the right thing all the time but it is in the nature of God to do that.
Your message could not have been more perfectly timed, Father! Thank you so much in helping me look at the pursuit of holiness with a different perspective -- where the goal is not perfection in itself or for its own sake (in which case, life would be a lot easier if I were just in a coma!), but rather a deep, loving, intimate relationship with and reliance on God, and allowing his Love to overflow in my relationship with others.
Fr. Sean gets it right. Focus on holiness and things holy. You can achieve purity by not leaving your house and ignoring the world. Then, who acts to change the world ? Someone else ? Even in politics, a malodorous profession, one can be holy. If we turned our noses up at engaging in politics, it would be left to the disbelieving, the narcissistic , the crooked and the corrupt to take over. It is a risk that some of us must take and rely on prayer and the Holy Spirit for protection. That is getting your armour dirty as some have said. However, there are some things that are just unwise. Trying to spiritually counsel someone for whom you have strong feelings will rarely end well. Worse still if either of you are married. The human heart is good at making excuses and the evil one will be more than willing to confuse things. In this case, stay away and pray for that person if you care a lot for them.
The problem I see about your preaching, Father, is that if you look around, you see that practically no one is exaggeratedly striving for purity. It's in fact quite the contrary: purity is the most diregarded virtue in our western societies. So, given those circumstances, I don't see the usefulness of a preaching that says that purity isn't the most important virtue after all. Surely it's true, but this is not what people need to hear in our circumstances. Your preaching would be needed in a particularly puritanical society. But in our culture, where purity is so often diregarded, even among Catholics, the need is for a preaching that actually makes us see the evilness and gravity of sins against purity. In short, when you give this preaching in our society, it's like someone saying to a person suffering from anorexia that fasting is good. Yes, fasting is good, but do you think it is the right thing to tell to an anorexic person?
Actually he doesn't just talk about one issue, he talks about everything however irrelevant it might seem. It's always good to know what everything means. I get you for sure but in my country where everything is very conservative, it helps ease our minds but not too much as to lead us to sin
I think I needed to hear this message... in my attempt to live a holy life, sometimes I tend to become a bit scrupulous... and I watched this video at a moment when I needed it. Some people are striving for holiness... and many times we do mistaken that for, strictly, purity.
Please, pray for me. I have been struggling with scrupulosity. I always tend to become self-conscious of everything I do because I want to make sure I stay "pure", but in reality, I am doing a disservice to God because I am trying to take control instead of letting God take control. I realized that what I struggled with is a form of pride even though I thought I was doing the right thing. I now know that my focus should be on God and God alone and not on myself. However, although I know that I need to trust in God's mercy I have trained my mind to become so self-conscious that it has become extremely difficult to stop this behavior. What would you say to a person like me who wants to do God's will but keeps being scrupulous?
Sin is the absence of good, so purity is just the presence of good. The problem is that we often falsely define purity as an absence of something. Defining something by that which it is not almost always leads to a stifling of precisely that which it is.
Sin isn't the absence of good; it's a parasite on the good. Since existence itself is a good, everything that exists has goodness in it. Evil attaches itself to good because evil cannot have existence on its own.
To be able to do better I feel like this. If a person that you are very attracted to needs your help, maybe you can get someone else to help them and avoid behaviours one would regret, not be happy about later. Pray sincerely even more for strenght and guidance while helping them if that is the option. Because purity is very important to maintain according to the bible, not just sexual purity but also mental purity, avoid lying for instance. If one believes in the bible they should uphold purity and know that God is just. Of some more is expected, like priests and pastors in some ways. You have a good point, that we can increase the chance of sin, but we should not only stop helping someone because of that, because it can be worth it and that can be the case. With experience comes knowledge yes, but some things we should minimize as much as neccessary and maybe even more once we know the effects of an action. We can see how stealing and abusing others can effect the world because we have already seen it,so we have the knowledge without neccessarily have done it ourselves to others and so we can and should avoid doing it. I hope that was helpful.🙌
"The Catholic Church holds it better for the sun and moon to drop from heaven, for the earth to fail, and for all the many millions on it to die of starvation in extremest agony, as far as temporal affliction goes, than that one soul, I will not say, should be lost, but should commit one single venial sin, should tell one wilful untruth, or should steal one poor farthing without excuse." St. John Henry Cardinal Newman - Apologia 1865
Dear Jesus, pls guide our young priests to be true leaders of the faith. Pls bless them with wisdom, and most importantly humility so that they do not succumb to the ego. Pls help them to not water down your teachings to cater to a secular society that scoffs at piety. May God Bless our young priests.❤️🙏Amen.
In other words dont worry about avoiding the near occasions of sin, (which has been a church teaching for yonks). Certain saints of the past went to extraordinary lengths to maintain bodly purity, and some of them were hermits or in enclosed relegious orders. I guess they all got it wrong, and we moden people are more enlightened. It seems to me though, that since the church stopped preaching purity we have had a veritable storm of sexual depravity in all sections of society including and clergy.
I think there needs to be balance, clearly he’s not saying to go hangout at a strip club, but you can’t avoid living a life of service to someone who happens to be good looking because you’re scared you might get tempted. For sure never purposely seek places that will for sure lead you to do something terrible, but there is temptation everywhere. My confessor gets tempted to throw the chalice off the altar.... He says he just lets the thought slide. He’s an awesome priest!!
The saints are exceptional people. Sure, anyone *can* become one. Will the vast majority of us, though? I doubt that. I doubt even the vast majority of people in the immediate vicinity of those saints in question had the mettle to even try to live and act as they did. It's like being a soldier, and seeing another soldier win a Medal of Honor. Can any soldier technically do the things required to earn one? Sure, I guess so. Should those Medal of Honor winners be held up as examples of bravery and good conduct, and is it a goal that all soldiers should strive for? Definitely. Will the vast majority of soldiers have the right circumstances or capabilities to win one, though? More than likely not. But by no means does that exclude them from being an integral part of the military, and able to serve and contribute in the capacity they can.
@@maritzaperrault4836 Not true - there is not "temptation everywhere". - But there is temptation specifically somewhere. And those somewheres MUST be avoided if they are a source of temptation for your or for me.
@@Joe-po9xn The problem with this line of thinking is that it's defeatist. We are ALL called to be saints. And we can all be saints. Does this mean we will all be canonized? No. But there's a reason why we celebrate All Saints Day - the belief that the vast majority of saints are known to God alone (probably millions of unknown saints to every one canonized saint). This year's reading on Christ the King was the final judgment (Year B's is the great commission and Year C's focuses on Jesus & Pilate). The sheep and the goats. Neither the sheep nor the goats were guilty of sins of commission. The goats, however, were guilty of sins of omission. Focus too much on purity, and you will be guilty of sins of omission. And sins of omission are just as grave as sins of commission - just ask the rich man in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. What is a sin of omission? When you have the ability to do good for someone else and don't do it. Here's the thing - in the situation that Fr. gives here, maybe the best choice is to call your wife, and you help the woman together. This keeps you honest, but it also helps out the woman in need. Or call the police or EMTs if needed.
Thank you very much for the video Fr. Casey. May the Grace of the Most Holy Trinity and the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Mother of God, and those of all the Saints be with you forever and ever. Amen. 😊 🙏
I agree somewhat... I think the example of a man actively attracted to a another woman who is not his wife is a perfect example of when to run from temptation not stick around it. After all, cheating in his wife would have hugely disastrous consequences to all those around him. I would never suggest a guy hang out with that person more when the potential for mortal sin is so high.
Thank You Father for defining our ministry in the way it should be. When someone in need crosses our path we have a choice to make either to help or ignore them, like you said when we help some times we get spaghetti stains on our shirts.
I appreciate this more than you know. In the future I would like to be a minister and as a result have tried abstaining and avoiding absolutely all temptation, but I’ve struggled building a greater faith in Christ. I once again started seeing people and appreciate this video. Thank you Father Casey, 1 Peter: 3 : 21
I get that it’s not just a religion of dont’s, but the analogy of a man putting himself in an occasion of adultery, where he knows his own limits to temptation, does not sound like good advice. God wants us to use the gifts He gave us to help others, help society and to glorify Him. He would not be happy with us if we hid from the world because we were afraid of sinning. Most saints conquered great faults, but had they perished before they repented would they be great saints or in hell? Serious occasions of sin should be avoided always if possible.
Indeed, so instead of walking away from a situation that could have led to adultery what would fr suppose these people should have done instead by staying in that tempting situation?
That specific analogy isn't the best, but there are good analogies for it. I think a similar situation where the temptation and stakes are not as high would have made more sense
There is a balance I think to this that we each must discover in finding where our Blessed Lord calls us. But He does call us, the spiritual life is not a picture, but a movie, just as the natural life is. We get filled up, so we have something worthwhile to give, not so we can gawk at ourselves and how wonderful we are. A beautiful flower that does not fruit, is still wasted in the end. God bless you.
Thank you Fr. Casey, great explanation! I learned this the hard way, thinking that "avoiding" will make me pure and as you said purity is an effect of pursuing holiness, which is hard but God has promised his grace to help us. Peace and good Fr. Casey and thank you for all the good you do with your missions
One of the most beautiful and sensible speeches I've heard and actually quite inspiring. I'm not even religious (just to clear any misunderstanding, its relevant for a video like this) but your content is genuinely great regardless. I understand that this is not an attempt to despite purity but rather to focus on whats real important, making the world a better place and helping those around you when you can over being the "perfect" person that nobody really is. The first one is really better for the world itself.
Thank you for the short yet very insightful videos. I always struggled with trying to pure to the extend hurting myself and also my job. I think we shouldn't be obsessed about it
Oh and I have one more thing to say, avoiding too much will get boring, but avoiding for a season is restful. Jesus and John the Baptist went into the wilderness to fast and do whatever to get closer to God I'd say purifying their hearts and minds as a way to prepare them to go back into the corrupt world. Thank you for making some really great videos I appreciate it despite disagreeing with some God bless you sir😊
I think forgiveness is a good example here, something I struggled with for a long time. At first all I could do was not to nurture the anger and hurt (avoidance of the temptation to anger). With spiritual growth, I could pray for the person (I could approach the object of my hurt mentally)later with increased detachment, I could love that person (reintegrating then back into my life differently)needing nothing from them because I love them for God. Purity of heart is a fruit, one we work towards but I think it comes in stages. I have a question Father. I haven’t seen it anywhere but I’m sure it’s already been thought of. (Has it?) I see the beatitudes as a map of the spiritual life. Poor in spirit-detachment (purgation) Mourning-dark night, realizing the unimportance of things we fill time with and somewhat mourning the letting go. Meekness-the humble place you find yourself after the dark. And building a more profound humility. Hunger and thirst for justice- I relate this to Mother Theresa’s “I thirst”.a drive to alleviate the suffering of the powerless. Mercy- giving goodness beyond what is demanded by justice. Love that reaches out and goes beyond. Purity of heart- indicates a second dark night where the soul becomes like crystal, turned twords God alone. Him being the only purpose. Peacemaker- only after all of our own interests are gone can we really make peace. Persecution for justice-sacrificial love and willingness to endure pain that wrongs may be righted. Persecution for Christ- victim souls and martyrs.
i really needed to hear this right now. bad day at work but i still thanked God cause it was a beautiful day outside and i had the joy of making a 3 different babies smile at me :')
That is so true. Sometimes we feel like we need to be away from all temptation but even in the middle of the Judean dessert lord Jesus, who was away from all temptation, was still tempted by the devil. He understands our struggles.
Honestly I don't think I ever thought I would be pure. Maybe bc pure always meant Our Blessed Mother. Now striving to be holy, that I did try for, bc thats what Jesus wanted me to be. But now that you explained it this way, that purity becomes the effect of being holy, it makes sense. But for the record, striving to be holy and humble are very hard. However I am working on it.
This is obviously a send up to modern (most Evangelical, but I've unfortunately seen it pour over into Catholic circles) Purity Culture. It's not a send up to cloistered orders. Once again, everybody calm down
Interesting talk. In the 60's and some of the hippie hangers-on use to talk about communing with God on the mountain top but that is not where the people who make you mad are. Those people and everyday struggles are often your best teachers.
Hey Friar, my name is Christian. Raised both Jewish and catholic and that drove me away from religion since I was 17-18. I am 31 now and my dad passed away this year. I have am well versed not in only catholic theology but also I know the Hebrew Bible, or the Tanakh but have a great understanding of Catholicism since I went to catholic school and was confirmed. I live in Chicago, and after my dad passed away I feel a calling to serve the poor but through a brotherhood, what would be my first steps?
I was told in confession (dominican priest) that blessed are the pure of heart means our heart should be pure in its devotion to the love of god. I was told this does not refer to sin, sexual sins, original sin, etc.
Good point Fr. But the verses of better squeezing into the Kingdom with 1 less eye or arm than sinning seem a bit contradicting? I wonder if that verse got abused to the obsession over purity. In Chinese translation, divine purity has the same pronunciation in Cantonese as sexual purity and my eyes roar like X-Men's Storm when too many of us (regardless of whatever branch of the church) are too busy to be purified rather than reach out to love one another. Isn't it sad?
For the example at 1:56 I would say to call a charity or someone you know to help the person. Do the best to help the person without you helping directly. And only help directly if no one responds the call.
Wonderful! May the Lord grant us the grace of holiness that we be holy in our thoughts, words and actions and let our mind be focussed only on the Lord
My understanding of scripture and Church tradition is that sin destroys charity within. That's why we avoid it. I can assure you as a 68-year old man, that those who flirt with sin...much less entangle themselves in it...never achieve the charity that they think they will. What happens is their definition of charity becomes so worthless, it's little better than the camaraderie you'd find in the local bar or workplace. Yet the self-deception continues. They act like Donald Trump while they think they are Mother Teresa. Let me give an example. I once attended a Catholic church in San Francisco that had a Vietnamese, Filipino, and LGBTQ congregation. You can imagine the conflict. It had a lesbian minister in a relationship with another church activist. She said to me once, "Your problem is that you don't understand community!" I said, "Really? And this coming from a person in a relationship that offends most of the Church?" She immediately started hitting me with her fists. Twisted. Really twisted. That wasn't all. She once said on a microphone if front of the whole church, "Everything that comes out of your mouth is a lie!"
I agree with you. Purity is not something that we can achieve. I don't agree with your underlying argument, however, of purity being a kind of emptiness. If that were true then God would be empty, in other words nothing, in a similar way that sin is a kind of emptiness, as St. Augustine points out. That is probably why purity sounds like a kind of prudishness in your description. It is something we do to make ourselves holier than thou. What you are missing, father, is a classical education. God is simple and his will is Goodness itself. When we are pure we live in that divine simplicity, that's why we can see him when we are pure; we understand God when our will reflect his divine will. Moreover, your focus on "trying" to be be pure and forgetting that God can raise up children of Abraham from the very stones is disconcerting. God can make us pure in an instant if we recognize his complete dominion over our souls; if we have faith the size of a mustard seed. Your own struggles with purity must be very grim indeed if you believe what you are preaching here; that purity is a negative attribute that we can obtain by our own efforts. The example you give of the person who might cause you to be impure is also very misleading. First of all, we cannot sanctify or save anyone from sin by our own efforts. Only Christ does that, he is the Savior after all. If our faith is weak and we are trying to help someone whose faith is also weak we are blind people leading other blind people. Only Christ can sanctify us, and the holiness God grants does not make us "vulnerable" as you say. What you are preaching here is a kind of humanistic religion. I pray God grants you the grace to be pure of heart, to understand what Mary meant when she said "Magnificat".
. After 10 years+ faithful service to the Lord in ministry(atleast 8 hrs a week) and going to weekly mass, confession, daily prayer ; I still was addicted to sins of impurity. It was the 5 stones of fasting(required for strongholds), specific daily prayer (1st thing in AM especially), frequent mass, confession (asap after mortal sin) , and daily bible reading; works of mercy + doing Gods specific will that helps the most. More like 8 stones if you include the latter and sacramentals.
@Thomas Herlihy ua-cam.com/video/2OLTd2UbJnU/v-deo.html He talks about vice in this video, and mentions sexual sin in two instances, though the video deals particularly with overcoming all types of vice:
I love you Brother. I appreciate your love for The Lord Our God. I am Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,and also an Elder/Priest in The Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, and Priest in The Aaronic Priesthood. Do you happen to have any friends or family in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
I am surprised at your wisdom at such a young age. I am sure you will be very popular very soon. You are an oasis in a world torn by consumerism and secularism
Are there *any* circumstances in which you would recommend *not* "confronting evil head on" but avoiding it? Could this "avoiding evil" ever be a prudent choice even when it means sacrificing an opportunity to do good to someone else?
I agree to a point. However there is a point to be made in the opposite context, of in order to remain holy, flee from youthful temptations, as Paul writes to Timothy. We as Christians are all called to be Holy, as our father in heaven is Holy, but will never achieve it on this earth because of our flesh. So there is wisdom needed in how to use your gifting and time for ministry. I by no means believe that Christians are to live in a box and never leave in order to keep themselves pure. But if a Christian minister has a proclivity for a certain sin, since we are talking about the catholic church, lets say zexual sin, they should take steps to remain accountable for that sin struggle, but continue to minister. The Bible clearly states being pure is a good desire, but it does not state that we must be willing to sacrifice purity so we might evangelize others. The end goal of Christians should be to make it to the finish line living a life pleasing to God, which means BOTH living pure and evangelizing.
Purity is not privation, sin and death is privation of the Good. Life is definitely worth living if it is one lived in conformity to God’s will. There couldn’t be a more perfect existence this side of heaven. St. Francis went to incredible lengths to avoid the mere occasion of sin. Respectfully Father, this message in light of the current state of the world is a bit tone deaf. We have a severe lack of self discipline both within the laity and in the clergy. We must preach a message that calls all individuals to a higher moral standard, not tell them to let their guard down. The devil is working overtime these days and especially now we must be fortified in both faith and purity.
Holiness is more important than simple purity. Good point. BUT there is a problem with the "near occasion of sin" example. It proposes that a married person MUST spend time with and help someone he/she is intensely attracted to, despite temptation to mortal sin. The assumption is that if I don't help that person, no one will. And that isn't true. Unfaithfulness in marriage (even an emotional affair) can be very damaging to a spouse and the entire family. It really hurts people. And it's not something to mess around with.
Very funny about the spaghetti, I like it a lot too. But I had a question about brothers and sisters who are in monastery. And wondering if that can also be a state of avoidance of temptation and sin. Wouldn't the world be better off having those people in their midst?
And also may I just add that you have a very good tone.. clear voice.. and good emotion your conveying it’s really nice.. though I’m just guessing here but you would have to be good at talking so that people can hear you clearly.. I guess it all comes with being a priest.. that type of talent gets drawn out of you when you have experience with preaching.. among other things..
Can we become pure by what we practice? By what we focus on? I thought seeking the good, seeking God led to purity. I think it's both, to become pure it's saying no to sin and saying yes to God who is true love. I have found a lot of joy and peace in saying no to certain things. It's both, you can't have holiness without practicing both.
Thank you. I never thought of it this way. We can’t know the world if we do not live in it... despite getting dirty in process. This is how empathy is born.
In love with the world from mingyur rinpoche is an example for this. He ditched his robes and titles so he could actually struggle with the world... To be patient can only be learnt by being annoyed by others.
There was a big "purity" movement not too long ago where young people were wearing purity rings and making lots of promises to God. There were many problems with that program. But first, what they meant by purity was really chastity. Kudos to this Franciscan brother for taking on the topic, but whether purity or holiness, we're really talking about qualities of the Lord Jesus and not something that is in us by our own human nature. He is right to say that purity is the absence of adulterants and so forth, but that doesn't mean it's negative. This can get us into false logic. Everything is negative when compared to its opposite. Now I appreciate what the brother is trying to say. A well used shovel doesn't rust. Inaction, avoidance, and not doing things become a habitual mindset that is contradictory to the life of good works. But let's look at holiness. Holiness is actually more negative by this line of thinking! Holiness means to be set apart for the use of God. It implies ineffability and distance, something intangible. Note that "holy" things are often no different than normal things as far as their natural qualities. Holy water is water after all. Holy communion is bread more or less. At least no one claims it tastes better than a good bagel. It's not superior in any natural way. An altar is a table. A tabernacle is a box. A holy temple might be no different from a heathen temple. For example, the Pantheon in Rome was an ancient pagan temple, but is now a Catholic church. The same principle sometimes even applies for unholy things. Food sacrificed to idols was no different from normal food (1st Corinthians chapters 8 and 10). Look around town and see that churches these days often look no different from schools or other public buildings. Plenty of roadside places of Christian worship and ministries look like warehouses. They might be ugly, but I would still say holiness is there. Truly any place can be a church if "two or three are gathered" in the name of Jesus (Matthew 18:20). The holiness comes from its use not its physical dimensions or other qualities. We understand that the church is a holy place because of the presence of God. Something of his grace has been given to it, even if there is no visible improvement. Now if we abide in Christ we can have these qualities of purity and holiness by virtue of our sharing in the sinless life of the son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit which is given to us who believe (John 14:17 and countless verses in the epistles of St. Paul that speak of being "in Christ"). Philippians 3:14 is a great scripture to memorize to remind us of the goal of our life in Christ--"I press onward toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."
One of my protestant philosophy professers said it in a nice way. "The armour of God was designed to get dirty in combat, not to be polished and locked in your castle."
Wow, that is a really cool insight :D
As a Franciscan I tend to shy away from violent metaphors, but that's pretty good!
@@BreakingInTheHabit I like Pope Francis’ metaphor. The church“a field hospital that takes in the weakest people: the infirm. I take that also to mean sick in poverty, sin, and spirit.
@@BreakingInTheHabit Ahhh comon, even St. Michael has a sword in hand Father ;)
@BreakingintheHabit, but God told St. Francis “all of these can be yours” in reference to an ARSENAL OF WEAPONS AND ARMOR. To add to this, Francis was PRO CRUSADE! Therefore, weapons and battle are PERFECT metaphors for Franciscans in particular and Catholics in general. We are truly engaged in spiritual warfare and nothing short of such a strong metaphor can show us the true nature of our calling as Christians. God willed the Crusades for the defence of the Faith and wills now that we fight for the Faith whether that be in the political sphere, society, or (God forbid) on the battlefield. DEUS VULT. May God be with you in the fight.
An eye opener. I lived most of my life focusing on purity. To the point where I would not even pray if I sinned cause I would see myself unworthy. Im learning now that to really attain purity I need to lean on our Lord instead of trying to do anything by myself. Great video
So true. I did that too. God bless you :))
Great observation! I believe sometimes God even allows (in his permissive will) us to fail so that we rely on Him more, instead of becoming prideful in relying only on our own white-knuckling strength. If we were perfect on our own, we wouldn't need God. Yet even the greatest saints were completely dependent on God's grace.
Exactly!
Wow same.
🙌🙌
Purity is an active virtue, as all the virtues are. To view it as a solely a virtue of avoidance is a misunderstanding. It is also a misunderstanding to view it as solely related to sexual desire. So we don't need to disparage purity, but better understand it.
Yes! I view purity a bit as being scotchguarded. Those of pure heart, are out in the world but are not becoming stained by it. Or as being of such a clean heart that you just don't get double entendres.
This priest seems to strive to tear down things. I found this video to be a little ridiculous. A woman should not be going out and helping some homeless man by herself anyway. That could be dangerous. Sophistry
@@desperado77760 I found this video outside of Catholic Teachings.
Exactly.. arbitrarily assigning “active” and “passive” virtues to try and make an point, that is ambiguous, and frankly wrong.
Purity is a state of grace. It is seeing with the eyes of God and not man. As with all grace, we need to conform ourselves to it and not presume or neglect it. Christ came to restore us to that holy innocence that doesn't look at another as objects or for what they can get from them. In the example given, the person may be pure or not, but definitely feels an attraction that would be sinful. Since this is clear, a pure soul would immediately seek someone else to aid the person in need of help. They would accept their weakness in humility and yet, full of God's love, seek to help in another way.
Christ began his ministry with temptation and ended it with suffering. Love endures.
Christ began His ministry with prayer and fasting and was tempted after forty days of prayer and fasting. He didn't walk into obvious temptation but when it came upon Him, He had prepared His soul through that prayer and fasting so that He could conquer it. His whole life was a preparation for his death. His love endured because His whole heart, mind, soul and body were on the Father at all times.
Father, I'm protestant and have been criticised for taking in a homeless, alcoholic/ drug addict. I never could find words to describe what I felt about it all. I find it a great trial no doubt but felt I was doing the right thing. Thank you for putting this in prospective for me. I'm going to push forward,...with God's help. Please pray for both of us...and anyone reading... please bear us before the throne of grace.... thank-you.
Our Focus ought to be that we're not running away FROM sin, so much as we are running TO God.
EXACTLY!
One need not be running away from anything. One can be PRUDENT and choose to find the right person for the job.
As baptized Catholics we ought to TURN AWAY from sin, WE MUST RUN AWAY FROM SIN! Our baptismal vow is to renounce sin. This is a very bad catechism and a clear contradiction to teaching of our Catholic Faith!
Philippians 4: 8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, WHATEVER IS RIGHT, WHATEVER IS PURE, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, DWELL ON THESE THINGS.
@@L1011MD11 I agree, but it is our focus in repentance that makes the difference. If we are always focused on the sin we are running away from, we will always be feeling like the victim of our desires. But when our focus is on running to and being in Christ, (in God), we take on an identity of victory over our desires and sins. So yes, we are running away from our sins and turning our backs to them, but basking in the live of God is a more fulfilling vjewpoint.
@@JoshAlicea1229 We are admonished to seek the Kingdom of God first and to avoid sinning as well. Our exile life on this fallen world is a constant battle between good and evil and by ourselves we cannot grow in holiness without the graces from God. Hence Jesus gave us the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. And according to St. Paul:
Philippians 2:12
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING.
Purity is the effect of a life of holiness. Thank you Father 🙏
We are NOT isolated from the world we are called Out TO the world. God Bless You Father Casey!✝️❤️🙌🏻!
Yes, the world is evil enough to not require a new world. One was already more than enough, and, it's acceptable if it doesn't improve, despite those trying to change it to improve it. It does get worse for some reasons, which reasons may not all be all that bad.
It's also better to provoke good than to provoke evil.
Evil does not need provocation.
It does it to itself.
We are not of the world. We live in it and are calling the world out to join the body of Christ rather than having us conform to the world.
We are kind of isolated from the world if you think about it. (With the pandemic and all) 😁
@@ethanmaranto8063 The world is a spiritual thing. Not a good spirit, but still...
"But the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law." Seek out the spirit first, and the tree of the spirit will naturally fruit, and do so bountifully.
Awsome!!This is what i needed
This for those of us coming back to the Catholic Church after being in churches that preach Purity Culture.
Yes Fr Casey very often I going through wild thoughts
Lust full thoughts , struggling with This sinful EVIL thoughts.please pray for me.
India. Thankyou Amen
@@helenabara2092 hi I invite you for Eucharistic adoration with Divine Retreat Centre UK and Logosvoicetv on UA-cam and get your deliverance and healing.
I love how this video fits perfectly from the Gospel today. The Pharisees blasted Jesus for healing on the Sabbath because they only focused on their own good. Jesus teaches, per the Gospel from yesterday, that we need to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we place the desire to be “pure” over spreading the love of God to others (as we are called to do) we end up just a pure shell with no holiness inside. Great video, Father!
I have noticed a pattern of the Mass readings being very relevant to currenr events around when they occur. God knows before things happen, and He is with us in the midst of it all. Cling to Him, He went out to the darkness and being the Light of the World, He dispelled it. Let us be His "living reflection" to quote St
Faustina.
God bless you, brother. Through our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
@David Russell I mean specifically the Mass readings, not merely just the Bible.
I was thinking it was Armageddeon for a long time, but that is exactly what the people who are wrong are saying. Even if it is, being a good Christian the perfect and only way to prepare anyway.
Not really - it's just the opposite. Those who keep their purity are more open to love than those who do not.
There is no conflict between being pure and following Christ so what you say is really a false analogy. The issue is how does one follow Christ when there is danger to one's own soul? All Church fathers will teach you there is nothing worth losing your own soul over. Sometimes the job needs to be done by someone else.
@Gerry Hagen That is just not true. The Muslim made it an issue of hating sinner and all non-muslims unwilling to convert were sinners. The Crusades were about protecting Christians from this hate.
Just to add another perspective, Father. There are many Saints in heaven who spent their earthly lives cloistered in prayer, away from the “messy world”. We all benefit greatly from their prayers whispered in lifelong solitude. I offer these thoughts respectfully. Thank you for your ministry. God Bless You
He obviously knows that, but for some odd reason, rejects it. I truly wish this young guy would stop making videos and confusing the faithful, as I've yet to seen one anywhere close to traditional Christian thinking.
@@2Uahojand what is that traditional thinking? You decide it?
@@t_tmad5293 What the Magisterium teaches.
Prayers whispered in solitude make one holy? Hmmmmm
I have found a lot of peace and joy in saying, "No" to things that I wanted and were not good for me. Saying, "No" helped me to say, "Yes" to a higher good!
Pure... Holy...it's all the same... What is key is that we can only achieve holiness (purity) through God's grace and the more we pray and build our relationship with the Lord, the more God will grace us. The saints are an example of real people that reach high levels of holiness that we can emulate.
@Wulf SheepskinAmen. And we are not alone. The Holy Spirit has got our back to help us. We just need to be humble and ask for help...
@Wulf Sheepskin it is the same with me... Crying out and reaching to God with the depths of our souls are prayers pleasing to our Lord.
I don’t think saints were canonized for their purity, but for their heroic love
Very true. In one hand, seeking purity though isolation or staying in your comfort zone (while still maintaining a close relationship with God), you DO avoid putting yourself in danger or “near occasions of sin” (which is a good thing). However, “avoidance” can lead to the spirit of SLOTH or “sins of omission”.
Girl defined is quaking in their boots
Dear Father Casey, as someone who is old enough to be your grandfather, let me say this is probably the best video you have ever made. And I don’t say that lightly. I have seen most of your videos. Some I vehemently disagreed with, but you nailed this one. Keep up the great work. Wishing you only good things.
Is anyone else now interested in a video where Fr. Casey talks about spaghetti the entire time? Is it just me?
Yes, tell me more about spaghetti 🍝
@@dwarfbombgaming8250 mmmmmm, spaghetti
so what if we have to miss eating spaghetti in our life? what's the big deal about it?
We need both Franciscans and Benedicitines. And should not demand that one be the other.
Fr. Richard
Thinking abt being a Franciscan for the first forty days and then being a Benedictine for the next forty days; then again a Franc.....
@@antonyjoseph5592 The Order of Preachers might be for you
And Dominicans!
I don't know how anyone can choose one order. I have always loved St Francis and I have always been drawn to Franciscan spirituality, but in learning about the other orders I see the incredible beauty in them too.
When you read enough of the lives of the saints, you see the same virtues and truths in all of them. We need Christ. That is all. (and He wants us to love the Blessed Mother too.)
Great reflection, like being healthy, which is good and something we all want, however not the end goal by itself. After all we use our health to enjoy life, rather than seeking being healthy just for the sake of it. Even some people who are not healthy can many times have a happier life than those who are "healthy", as long as God is on your side.
If you lock yourself down afraid of impurity you will certainly fall for impurity. Charity is a shield against impurity, not a risk
I am not sure that purity is ever actually described in scripture as simply the absence of sin. Pure devotion, pure love perhaps singlemindedness. I see purity as my goal. Do not create a false dichotomy.
@Gerry Hagen i am very sorry for this but i intepreted this wonderful wholesome quote into something sinister,
like telling a guy to kys
I disagree with Fr Casey in regard to his example of someone attracted to a person they are not married to. First of all, the fact that the person was attracted and turned away from sin shows that they have already been tempted. There are plenty of occasions for sin without purposely putting ourselves into the line of fire. St Antony of the Desert, alone in his hermitage, was tempted. Second, one of the things we're supposed to do avoid the near occasion of sin. In this scenario, the person tempted should find a way to help the other without becoming directly involved.
A very wonderful teacher once said that in the 60's everyone wanted to go to the mountain top to reach God and find peace. She said that the people that shake you up are down here not up there. Down here is where the lessons are being taught, the hardships are being overcome, down here is where the Holy Spirit is, down here is where people are in need and you are to help. Up there you think you have found peace but it will last for a few days perhaps but down here is the reward that you seek. Joy is in giving of yourself.
Let's not be prideful but be respecting to God with everything of ourselves.
Don't forget he said, "it's not the ONLY thing"
(Read 12:1-2)
As far as I am concerned, I can live without spaghetti, but without God I can't. Holiness will no way stand in the way of love. That's what true love is. Taught and expressed by Jesus.
Fr. tried to say don't let any holiness come to you that limits your love.
"Life of service and humility" as father said, that's what I would very much like to see.
Christians are to engage in everything and change it. Transform it... He also said "transform and heal" the world!
Jesus appointed his apostles and call everyone to change the world with love. In history it has been many times, many times it hasn't. Still we will keep loving.
Thank you father. Thank you everyone. God bless you...
I love this. Here's my take.
God wants us to clean the world of sin and you never get anything clean if you avoid the dirty areas.
I know you probably won’t see this or respond, but I’m a Protestant teenager who’s been binge-watching your videos, and this one in particular really spoke to me. I’ve been feeling kind of apathetic about my relationship with God (as hard as that is to admit) recently, but I feel much less anxious about my future and where I stand with Him the more I watch you. (I’m also very curious as to what your favorite Star Wars movie is. 😉) Thank you Father Casey!
Glad to hear my work is helpful!
Here’s my list of Star Wars: twitter.com/caseyofm/status/1212597287731548160?s=21
@@BreakingInTheHabit I actually agree with your list! Attack of the Clones was awful haha.
I completely understand if you’d say no, but would I be able to contact you somewhere to talk about a personal matter? It’s been kind of bottled up and I feel torn on what to do.
I understand your exposition, father. We've also been taught that fasting should not only be the deprivation of the flesh but the indulgence of the spirit. Deny the flesh and fill the spirit with more of God or service of neighbor.
In the same way, "pure of heart" in the Beatitudes is also translated as "single-hearted for God" which means focusing on pursuing His will - a positive act.
Pride leads to pursuit of false, closed-off purity, and vice versa. It is humility and charity that lead to true purity.
Before those in heaven were made pure in God, they were first of all humble in their love.
Father,
Great insight! Never approached purity in this manner. Something to really ponder - purity is an effect of holiness, not an end to itself. Really needed to hear this!
But, I must beg to differ, it's GELATO that's God's gift to humanity! 😇
Deacon Paul
Diocese of St. Augustine
The only thing I'll disagree with what you said is that God only gave us one gift! I'm a Catholic, which means I'm for both/and: spaghetti AND gelato are gifts from God!
@@BreakingInTheHabit
Frankly, as an Italian-American, the entire world of Italian food is "divine."
If purity is "absence of sin" then God is essentially Purity. Maybe that should be something to ponder.
@@horouathos8199 Sin is not just things that we do but things we fail to do. No one does the right thing all the time but it is in the nature of God to do that.
@@thyikmnnnn Things we do and things we fail to do are two sides of the same coin.
Your message could not have been more perfectly timed, Father! Thank you so much in helping me look at the pursuit of holiness with a different perspective -- where the goal is not perfection in itself or for its own sake (in which case, life would be a lot easier if I were just in a coma!), but rather a deep, loving, intimate relationship with and reliance on God, and allowing his Love to overflow in my relationship with others.
Fr. Sean gets it right. Focus on holiness and things holy. You can achieve purity by not leaving your house and ignoring the world. Then, who acts to change the world ? Someone else ? Even in politics, a malodorous profession, one can be holy. If we turned our noses up at engaging in politics, it would be left to the disbelieving, the narcissistic , the crooked and the corrupt to take over. It is a risk that some of us must take and rely on prayer and the Holy Spirit for protection. That is getting your armour dirty as some have said.
However, there are some things that are just unwise. Trying to spiritually counsel someone for whom you have strong feelings will rarely end well. Worse still if either of you are married. The human heart is good at making excuses and the evil one will be more than willing to confuse things. In this case, stay away and pray for that person if you care a lot for them.
The problem I see about your preaching, Father, is that if you look around, you see that practically no one is exaggeratedly striving for purity. It's in fact quite the contrary: purity is the most diregarded virtue in our western societies. So, given those circumstances, I don't see the usefulness of a preaching that says that purity isn't the most important virtue after all. Surely it's true, but this is not what people need to hear in our circumstances. Your preaching would be needed in a particularly puritanical society. But in our culture, where purity is so often diregarded, even among Catholics, the need is for a preaching that actually makes us see the evilness and gravity of sins against purity. In short, when you give this preaching in our society, it's like someone saying to a person suffering from anorexia that fasting is good. Yes, fasting is good, but do you think it is the right thing to tell to an anorexic person?
Actually he doesn't just talk about one issue, he talks about everything however irrelevant it might seem. It's always good to know what everything means. I get you for sure but in my country where everything is very conservative, it helps ease our minds but not too much as to lead us to sin
I disagree
I think I needed to hear this message... in my attempt to live a holy life, sometimes I tend to become a bit scrupulous... and I watched this video at a moment when I needed it. Some people are striving for holiness... and many times we do mistaken that for, strictly, purity.
@@cmonbts7910 same -Regina here
@@undermarysmantle725 saaameeee -Regina
Please, pray for me. I have been struggling with scrupulosity. I always tend to become self-conscious of everything I do because I want to make sure I stay "pure", but in reality, I am doing a disservice to God because I am trying to take control instead of letting God take control. I realized that what I struggled with is a form of pride even though I thought I was doing the right thing. I now know that my focus should be on God and God alone and not on myself. However, although I know that I need to trust in God's mercy I have trained my mind to become so self-conscious that it has become extremely difficult to stop this behavior. What would you say to a person like me who wants to do God's will but keeps being scrupulous?
I feel like I needed to hear this today. Thanks Father Casey.
Sin is the absence of good, so purity is just the presence of good. The problem is that we often falsely define purity as an absence of something. Defining something by that which it is not almost always leads to a stifling of precisely that which it is.
Sin isn't the absence of good; it's a parasite on the good. Since existence itself is a good, everything that exists has goodness in it. Evil attaches itself to good because evil cannot have existence on its own.
To be able to do better I feel like this. If a person that you are very attracted to needs your help, maybe you can get someone else to help them and avoid behaviours one would regret, not be happy about later. Pray sincerely even more for strenght and guidance while helping them if that is the option. Because purity is very important to maintain according to the bible, not just sexual purity but also mental purity, avoid lying for instance. If one believes in the bible they should uphold purity and know that God is just. Of some more is expected, like priests and pastors in some ways. You have a good point, that we can increase the chance of sin, but we should not only stop helping someone because of that, because it can be worth it and that can be the case. With experience comes knowledge yes, but some things we should minimize as much as neccessary and maybe even more once we know the effects of an action. We can see how stealing and abusing others can effect the world because we have already seen it,so we have the knowledge without neccessarily have done it ourselves to others and so we can and should avoid doing it. I hope that was helpful.🙌
"The Catholic Church holds it better for the sun and moon to drop from heaven, for the earth to fail, and for all the many millions on it to die of starvation in extremest agony, as far as temporal affliction goes, than that one soul, I will not say, should be lost, but should commit one single venial sin, should tell one wilful untruth, or should steal one poor farthing without excuse." St. John Henry Cardinal Newman - Apologia 1865
Dear Jesus, pls guide our young priests to be true leaders of the faith. Pls bless them with wisdom, and most importantly humility so that they do not succumb to the ego. Pls help them to not water down your teachings to cater to a secular society that scoffs at piety. May God Bless our young priests.❤️🙏Amen.
In other words dont worry about avoiding the near occasions of sin, (which has been a church teaching for yonks). Certain saints of the past went to extraordinary lengths to maintain bodly purity, and some of them were hermits or in enclosed relegious orders. I guess they all got it wrong, and we moden people are more enlightened. It seems to me though, that since the church stopped preaching purity we have had a veritable storm of sexual depravity in all sections of society including and clergy.
I think there needs to be balance, clearly he’s not saying to go hangout at a strip club, but you can’t avoid living a life of service to someone who happens to be good looking because you’re scared you might get tempted. For sure never purposely seek places that will for sure lead you to do something terrible, but there is temptation everywhere. My confessor gets tempted to throw the chalice off the altar.... He says he just lets the thought slide. He’s an awesome priest!!
The saints are exceptional people. Sure, anyone *can* become one. Will the vast majority of us, though? I doubt that. I doubt even the vast majority of people in the immediate vicinity of those saints in question had the mettle to even try to live and act as they did.
It's like being a soldier, and seeing another soldier win a Medal of Honor. Can any soldier technically do the things required to earn one? Sure, I guess so. Should those Medal of Honor winners be held up as examples of bravery and good conduct, and is it a goal that all soldiers should strive for? Definitely. Will the vast majority of soldiers have the right circumstances or capabilities to win one, though? More than likely not.
But by no means does that exclude them from being an integral part of the military, and able to serve and contribute in the capacity they can.
@@maritzaperrault4836 Not true - there is not "temptation everywhere". - But there is temptation specifically somewhere. And those somewheres MUST be avoided if they are a source of temptation for your or for me.
@@Joe-po9xn The problem with this line of thinking is that it's defeatist. We are ALL called to be saints. And we can all be saints. Does this mean we will all be canonized? No. But there's a reason why we celebrate All Saints Day - the belief that the vast majority of saints are known to God alone (probably millions of unknown saints to every one canonized saint). This year's reading on Christ the King was the final judgment (Year B's is the great commission and Year C's focuses on Jesus & Pilate). The sheep and the goats. Neither the sheep nor the goats were guilty of sins of commission. The goats, however, were guilty of sins of omission. Focus too much on purity, and you will be guilty of sins of omission. And sins of omission are just as grave as sins of commission - just ask the rich man in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. What is a sin of omission? When you have the ability to do good for someone else and don't do it. Here's the thing - in the situation that Fr. gives here, maybe the best choice is to call your wife, and you help the woman together. This keeps you honest, but it also helps out the woman in need. Or call the police or EMTs if needed.
Are you saying sexual depravity is something new to our times?
Thank you Father Casey for this. You have set a rest in my heart. I am really grateful for coming across this video.
Being pure, innocent and untouched from the world means being a good conductor for the Grace of God. And that is our goal.
Thank you very much for the video Fr. Casey. May the Grace of the Most Holy Trinity and the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Mother of God, and those of all the Saints be with you forever and ever. Amen. 😊 🙏
Yes our goal is to be Pure AND Holy indeed!!
I agree somewhat... I think the example of a man actively attracted to a another woman who is not his wife is a perfect example of when to run from temptation not stick around it. After all, cheating in his wife would have hugely disastrous consequences to all those around him. I would never suggest a guy hang out with that person more when the potential for mortal sin is so high.
Thank You Father for defining our ministry in the way it should be. When someone in need crosses our path we have a choice to make either to help or ignore them, like you said when we help some times we get spaghetti stains on our shirts.
I appreciate this more than you know. In the future I would like to be a minister and as a result have tried abstaining and avoiding absolutely all temptation, but I’ve struggled building a greater faith in Christ. I once again started seeing people and appreciate this video. Thank you Father Casey, 1 Peter: 3 : 21
I get that it’s not just a religion of dont’s, but the analogy of a man putting himself in an occasion of adultery, where he knows his own limits to temptation, does not sound like good advice. God wants us to use the gifts He gave us to help others, help society and to glorify Him. He would not be happy with us if we hid from the world because we were afraid of sinning. Most saints conquered great faults, but had they perished before they repented would they be great saints or in hell? Serious occasions of sin should be avoided always if possible.
Indeed, so instead of walking away from a situation that could have led to adultery what would fr suppose these people should have done instead by staying in that tempting situation?
That specific analogy isn't the best, but there are good analogies for it. I think a similar situation where the temptation and stakes are not as high would have made more sense
There is a balance I think to this that we each must discover in finding where our Blessed Lord calls us. But He does call us, the spiritual life is not a picture, but a movie, just as the natural life is. We get filled up, so we have something worthwhile to give, not so we can gawk at ourselves and how wonderful we are. A beautiful flower that does not fruit, is still wasted in the end.
God bless you.
Thank you Fr. Casey, great explanation! I learned this the hard way, thinking that "avoiding" will make me pure and as you said purity is an effect of pursuing holiness, which is hard but God has promised his grace to help us. Peace and good Fr. Casey and thank you for all the good you do with your missions
One of the most beautiful and sensible speeches I've heard and actually quite inspiring. I'm not even religious (just to clear any misunderstanding, its relevant for a video like this) but your content is genuinely great regardless. I understand that this is not an attempt to despite purity but rather to focus on whats real important, making the world a better place and helping those around you when you can over being the "perfect" person that nobody really is. The first one is really better for the world itself.
But sometimes, don't you need to avoid certain things in your pursuit of holiness tho? just thinkin out loud...
Thank you for the video! Be blessed
Yes, but not at the expenses of love for our brothers. If you trust God, He will be your guard.
Thank you for the short yet very insightful videos. I always struggled with trying to pure to the extend hurting myself and also my job. I think we shouldn't be obsessed about it
Oh and I have one more thing to say, avoiding too much will get boring, but avoiding for a season is restful. Jesus and John the Baptist went into the wilderness to fast and do whatever to get closer to God I'd say purifying their hearts and minds as a way to prepare them to go back into the corrupt world. Thank you for making some really great videos I appreciate it despite disagreeing with some God bless you sir😊
I think forgiveness is a good example here, something I struggled with for a long time. At first all I could do was not to nurture the anger and hurt (avoidance of the temptation to anger). With spiritual growth, I could pray for the person (I could approach the object of my hurt mentally)later with increased detachment, I could love that person (reintegrating then back into my life differently)needing nothing from them because I love them for God. Purity of heart is a fruit, one we work towards but I think it comes in stages.
I have a question Father. I haven’t seen it anywhere but I’m sure it’s already been thought of. (Has it?)
I see the beatitudes as a map of the spiritual life.
Poor in spirit-detachment (purgation)
Mourning-dark night, realizing the unimportance of things we fill time with and somewhat mourning the letting go.
Meekness-the humble place you find yourself after the dark. And building a more profound humility.
Hunger and thirst for justice- I relate this to Mother Theresa’s “I thirst”.a drive to alleviate the suffering of the powerless.
Mercy- giving goodness beyond what is demanded by justice. Love that reaches out and goes beyond.
Purity of heart- indicates a second dark night where the soul becomes like crystal, turned twords God alone. Him being the only purpose.
Peacemaker- only after all of our own interests are gone can we really make peace.
Persecution for justice-sacrificial love and willingness to endure pain that wrongs may be righted.
Persecution for Christ- victim souls and martyrs.
i really needed to hear this right now. bad day at work but i still thanked God cause it was a beautiful day outside and i had the joy of making a 3 different babies smile at me :')
That is so true. Sometimes we feel like we need to be away from all temptation but even in the middle of the Judean dessert lord Jesus, who was away from all temptation, was still tempted by the devil. He understands our struggles.
Honestly I don't think I ever thought I would be pure. Maybe bc pure always meant Our Blessed Mother. Now striving to be holy, that I did try for, bc thats what Jesus wanted me to be. But now that you explained it this way, that purity becomes the effect of being holy, it makes sense. But for the record, striving to be holy and humble are very hard. However I am working on it.
This is obviously a send up to modern (most Evangelical, but I've unfortunately seen it pour over into Catholic circles) Purity Culture. It's not a send up to cloistered orders. Once again, everybody calm down
Interesting talk. In the 60's and some of the hippie hangers-on use to talk about communing with God on the mountain top but that is not where the people who make you mad are. Those people and everyday struggles are often your best teachers.
Hey Friar, my name is Christian. Raised both Jewish and catholic and that drove me away from religion since I was 17-18. I am 31 now and my dad passed away this year. I have am well versed not in only catholic theology but also I know the Hebrew Bible, or the Tanakh but have a great understanding of Catholicism since I went to catholic school and was confirmed. I live in Chicago, and after my dad passed away I feel a calling to serve the poor but through a brotherhood, what would be my first steps?
I was told in confession (dominican priest) that blessed are the pure of heart means our heart should be pure in its devotion to the love of god. I was told this does not refer to sin, sexual sins, original sin, etc.
Good point Fr. But the verses of better squeezing into the Kingdom with 1 less eye or arm than sinning seem a bit contradicting? I wonder if that verse got abused to the obsession over purity. In Chinese translation, divine purity has the same pronunciation in Cantonese as sexual purity and my eyes roar like X-Men's Storm when too many of us (regardless of whatever branch of the church) are too busy to be purified rather than reach out to love one another. Isn't it sad?
Thank you for breaking it dow, making it doable... hopeful. I struggle but am fighting!
Awesome video Fr. Casey, Upon friar review is just as good. Keep up the great work.
For the example at 1:56 I would say to call a charity or someone you know to help the person. Do the best to help the person without you helping directly. And only help directly if no one responds the call.
Holiness is living in this world with all our difficulties. It's a God's grace and depence on our decision making process.. PRAISE THE LORD
And purity is absolutely an active word. Some people might find holiness through purity.
Wonderful!
May the Lord grant us the grace of holiness that we be holy in our thoughts, words and actions and let our mind be focussed only on the Lord
My understanding of scripture and Church tradition is that sin destroys charity within. That's why we avoid it. I can assure you as a 68-year old man, that those who flirt with sin...much less entangle themselves in it...never achieve the charity that they think they will. What happens is their definition of charity becomes so worthless, it's little better than the camaraderie you'd find in the local bar or workplace. Yet the self-deception continues. They act like Donald Trump while they think they are Mother Teresa.
Let me give an example. I once attended a Catholic church in San Francisco that had a Vietnamese, Filipino, and LGBTQ congregation. You can imagine the conflict. It had a lesbian minister in a relationship with another church activist. She said to me once, "Your problem is that you don't understand community!" I said, "Really? And this coming from a person in a relationship that offends most of the Church?" She immediately started hitting me with her fists. Twisted. Really twisted. That wasn't all. She once said on a microphone if front of the whole church, "Everything that comes out of your mouth is a lie!"
True. When the salt looses its saltiness it's no longer good for anything.
Needed this in my time in my life and my Spiritual Journey, thank you!!
You, father, are a true servant of God. God continue to bless you and your ministry.
I agree with you. Purity is not something that we can achieve. I don't agree with your underlying argument, however, of purity being a kind of emptiness. If that were true then God would be empty, in other words nothing, in a similar way that sin is a kind of emptiness, as St. Augustine points out. That is probably why purity sounds like a kind of prudishness in your description. It is something we do to make ourselves holier than thou.
What you are missing, father, is a classical education. God is simple and his will is Goodness itself. When we are pure we live in that divine simplicity, that's why we can see him when we are pure; we understand God when our will reflect his divine will. Moreover, your focus on "trying" to be be pure and forgetting that God can raise up children of Abraham from the very stones is disconcerting. God can make us pure in an instant if we recognize his complete dominion over our souls; if we have faith the size of a mustard seed. Your own struggles with purity must be very grim indeed if you believe what you are preaching here; that purity is a negative attribute that we can obtain by our own efforts.
The example you give of the person who might cause you to be impure is also very misleading. First of all, we cannot sanctify or save anyone from sin by our own efforts. Only Christ does that, he is the Savior after all. If our faith is weak and we are trying to help someone whose faith is also weak we are blind people leading other blind people. Only Christ can sanctify us, and the holiness God grants does not make us "vulnerable" as you say.
What you are preaching here is a kind of humanistic religion. I pray God grants you the grace to be pure of heart, to understand what Mary meant when she said "Magnificat".
Thank you Father Casey.
. After 10 years+ faithful service to the Lord in ministry(atleast 8 hrs a week) and going to weekly mass, confession, daily prayer ; I still was addicted to sins of impurity. It was the 5 stones of fasting(required for strongholds), specific daily prayer (1st thing in AM especially), frequent mass, confession (asap after mortal sin) , and daily bible reading; works of mercy + doing Gods specific will that helps the most. More like 8 stones if you include the latter and sacramentals.
I am 75 and have found it a life long struggle, even now.
Nicely put. Purity is the effect of holiness. But I don’t think the two are different things.
@Thomas Herlihy ua-cam.com/video/2OLTd2UbJnU/v-deo.html
He talks about vice in this video, and mentions sexual sin in two instances, though the video deals particularly with overcoming all types of vice:
This video appeared on the perfect time. Thanks a lot Father :). God bless you.
Very peculiar, the same applies to me: just at the right time!
Wow thank you for this video, I needed it. God bless everyone 🙏
I love you Brother. I appreciate your love for The Lord Our God. I am Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,and also an Elder/Priest in The Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, and Priest in The Aaronic Priesthood. Do you happen to have any friends or family in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
This is the answer I have been seeking for. Thank you, Father.
I am surprised at your wisdom at such a young age. I am sure you will be very popular very soon. You are an oasis in a world torn by consumerism and secularism
Really needed to hear this..Thank you and may the Lord Jesus bless you 🙏
The spaghetti metaphor made a great visual!
It also made me hungry!
Are there *any* circumstances in which you would recommend *not* "confronting evil head on" but avoiding it? Could this "avoiding evil" ever be a prudent choice even when it means sacrificing an opportunity to do good to someone else?
Thank you so so much Fr for this talk! No words can explain my gratitude right now, TRULY, THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..!!
I agree to a point. However there is a point to be made in the opposite context, of in order to remain holy, flee from youthful temptations, as Paul writes to Timothy. We as Christians are all called to be Holy, as our father in heaven is Holy, but will never achieve it on this earth because of our flesh. So there is wisdom needed in how to use your gifting and time for ministry. I by no means believe that Christians are to live in a box and never leave in order to keep themselves pure. But if a Christian minister has a proclivity for a certain sin, since we are talking about the catholic church, lets say zexual sin, they should take steps to remain accountable for that sin struggle, but continue to minister. The Bible clearly states being pure is a good desire, but it does not state that we must be willing to sacrifice purity so we might evangelize others. The end goal of Christians should be to make it to the finish line living a life pleasing to God, which means BOTH living pure and evangelizing.
“Be IN the world, not OF it ❤️
Purity is not privation, sin and death is privation of the Good. Life is definitely worth living if it is one lived in conformity to God’s will. There couldn’t be a more perfect existence this side of heaven. St. Francis went to incredible lengths to avoid the mere occasion of sin. Respectfully Father, this message in light of the current state of the world is a bit tone deaf. We have a severe lack of self discipline both within the laity and in the clergy. We must preach a message that calls all individuals to a higher moral standard, not tell them to let their guard down. The devil is working overtime these days and especially now we must be fortified in both faith and purity.
Holiness is more important than simple purity. Good point. BUT there is a problem with the "near occasion of sin" example. It proposes that a married person MUST spend time with and help someone he/she is intensely attracted to, despite temptation to mortal sin. The assumption is that if I don't help that person, no one will. And that isn't true. Unfaithfulness in marriage (even an emotional affair) can be very damaging to a spouse and the entire family. It really hurts people. And it's not something to mess around with.
Man I love this channel, God bless you Father Casey
Lord, renew Your Holy Spirit within each and everyone in this world and give us clean hearts.
Thank you Father for explaining holiness.
Very funny about the spaghetti, I like it a lot too. But I had a question about brothers and sisters who are in monastery. And wondering if that can also be a state of avoidance of temptation and sin. Wouldn't the world be better off having those people in their midst?
And also may I just add that you have a very good tone.. clear voice.. and good emotion your conveying it’s really nice.. though I’m just guessing here but you would have to be good at talking so that people can hear you clearly.. I guess it all comes with being a priest.. that type of talent gets drawn out of you when you have experience with preaching.. among other things..
Essentially be purified by life and the Gospel; not focusing on being what you have not yet become.
Can we become pure by what we practice? By what we focus on? I thought seeking the good, seeking God led to purity. I think it's both, to become pure it's saying no to sin and saying yes to God who is true love. I have found a lot of joy and peace in saying no to certain things. It's both, you can't have holiness without practicing both.
“Flee sexual immorality” though. Don’t tell yourself you’ll be able to resist,
Thank you. I never thought of it this way. We can’t know the world if we do not live in it... despite getting dirty in process. This is how empathy is born.
In love with the world from mingyur rinpoche is an example for this.
He ditched his robes and titles so he could actually struggle with the world... To be patient can only be learnt by being annoyed by others.
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ 🙏 Mother Mary Pray For Us 🙏Abba Father Bless us and we Adore You 🙏Holy Spirit Guide us and direct our paths 🙏
There was a big "purity" movement not too long ago where young people were wearing purity rings and making lots of promises to God. There were many problems with that program. But first, what they meant by purity was really chastity. Kudos to this Franciscan brother for taking on the topic, but whether purity or holiness, we're really talking about qualities of the Lord Jesus and not something that is in us by our own human nature. He is right to say that purity is the absence of adulterants and so forth, but that doesn't mean it's negative. This can get us into false logic. Everything is negative when compared to its opposite. Now I appreciate what the brother is trying to say. A well used shovel doesn't rust. Inaction, avoidance, and not doing things become a habitual mindset that is contradictory to the life of good works. But let's look at holiness. Holiness is actually more negative by this line of thinking! Holiness means to be set apart for the use of God. It implies ineffability and distance, something intangible. Note that "holy" things are often no different than normal things as far as their natural qualities. Holy water is water after all. Holy communion is bread more or less. At least no one claims it tastes better than a good bagel. It's not superior in any natural way. An altar is a table. A tabernacle is a box. A holy temple might be no different from a heathen temple. For example, the Pantheon in Rome was an ancient pagan temple, but is now a Catholic church. The same principle sometimes even applies for unholy things. Food sacrificed to idols was no different from normal food (1st Corinthians chapters 8 and 10). Look around town and see that churches these days often look no different from schools or other public buildings. Plenty of roadside places of Christian worship and ministries look like warehouses. They might be ugly, but I would still say holiness is there. Truly any place can be a church if "two or three are gathered" in the name of Jesus (Matthew 18:20). The holiness comes from its use not its physical dimensions or other qualities. We understand that the church is a holy place because of the presence of God. Something of his grace has been given to it, even if there is no visible improvement. Now if we abide in Christ we can have these qualities of purity and holiness by virtue of our sharing in the sinless life of the son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit which is given to us who believe (John 14:17 and countless verses in the epistles of St. Paul that speak of being "in Christ"). Philippians 3:14 is a great scripture to memorize to remind us of the goal of our life in Christ--"I press onward toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."