In the secular world, according to the Free Dictionary, the word “chastity” is defined as the condition or quality of being chaste, especially the condition of not having had sexual intercourse or of abstaining from sexual relations. But in reality, it is much more than that; it helps frame our dignity and how we treat others. This gift makes us free to love.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2345, “Chastity is a moral virtue. It is also a gift from God, a grace, a fruit of spiritual effort.” The Holy Spirit enables the baptized to imitate the purity of Christ and chastity means the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being (CCC 2337). In other words chastity is far more than just saying NO to sex.
Chastity is a virtue that directs all our sexual desires, emotions, and attractions toward the dignity of the person and the real meaning of love.
A clean heart is a free heart. A free heart can love Christ with an undivided love in chastity, convinced that nothing and nobody will separate it from his love. Purity, chastity, and virginity created a special beauty in Mary that attracted God’s attention. He showed his great love for the world by giving Jesus to her.
Mother Teresa Calcutta, The Virtue of Chastity
Thank you Lord for the gift to love
Smitten With Goodness 