Devotional for Day 5

Intention:

For young people to know that they are made in God’s image and likeness and belong to Him, and so to strive to live with pure hearts and chaste love.

Scripture:

‘Do you not realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, and whom you have received from God? You are not your own property, then; you were bought at a price. Therefore use your body for the glory of God.’ (1 Cor 6:19-20)

Reflection:

Young people, like all of us, want to belong, because belonging makes us feel loved. We are made for love, which is an experience of the body, as well as the soul. So, naturally, we seek love and we seek to belong with our body, as well as our soul.

We don't need to shout about how over-sexualised our culture is. Pornography and teen-sexual activity have become normalised and an accepted part of the scene.  We know the damage this causes and the loneliness and darkness young people can find themselves in. We don't need to shout about that.

What we do need to shout about is the truth that there is a real love that satisfies, for which our body and soul longs. The love of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We need to shout about our Father in heaven, who knows us by name and to whom we belong.

We need to shout about our Saviour, Jesus, who has bought us with His own blood and forgives every sin through the sacrament of reconciliation.

We need to shout about the power of the Holy Spirit - who lives within us through baptism, and makes it possible to be pure in our intentions and actions.

We need to shout out the invitation to real love, to mercy and healing when we have fallen and have forgotten who we really are and to whom we belong.

When I learn the value and dignity of my own life, when I learn the truth that I have been bought with a price and I am God's, then I come to know the value and dignity of every life and I desire to glorify God with my body.

Prayer:

God our Father, We pray that young people will hear the message of your love; the love for which they thirst. We pray for all who promote chastity and all involved in sex education in the home, school and parish.

Lord, may your Church boldly proclaim the Gospel of life, that our young people will come to know that they have been bought with the blood of Jesus and belong to you. Help all of us to use our bodies to bring you glory in chaste and holy relationships and thus be spared the confusion and hurt of sexual immorality; especially that which leads to the tragedy of abortion. Amen.

Fiona Mansford

Director, Pure in Heart