Chastity moderates desire for sexual pleasure, the body’s most imperious passion, according to principles of faith and right reason.
Chastity opposes acts or thoughts that are inconsistent with Church teaching about the use of our reproductive powers to prevent defilement of the soul.
Jesus said, Mk 7:21 “From within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man.” St. Paul added, 1 Cor 3:16 “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are.”
The practice of chastity is control of our thoughts and discipline of our senses, especially the eyes. It is greatly assisted by modesty and purity.
Chastity is one of the seven capital virtues. The others are humility, liberality, brotherly love, meekness, temperance, and diligence. They are called capital because all the virtues we strive to practice are said to flow from these seven capital virtues. Chastity is opposed to the capital sin of lust.
The virtue of chastity is also one of the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Your Catholic Bible may only have nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit — little did we know there were more fruits of the Holy Spirit for us so that we can live a more holy life.
Catholic Ping!