Blessed are the Pure in Heart

Excerpt from "Chastity And the Enchantment of Life" Ron Rolheiser, OMI, 2008-06-08 column. www.ronrolheiser.com

"To be chaste is to experience people, things, places, entertainment, the phases of one’s life, life’s opportunities, and sex, in a way that does not violate them or ourselves. Chastity means to experience things reverently, so that the experience of them leaves both them and ourselves more, not less, integrated. Thus, I am chaste when I relate to others in a way that does not violate their moral, psychological, emotional, sexual, or aesthetic contours. I am chaste when I do not let irreverence or impatience ruin what is gift, when I let life, others, and sex, be fully what they are. Conversely, I lack chastity when I transgress boundaries prematurely or irreverently, when I violate anything so as to somehow reduce is full gift.

Chastity is respect and reverence. The fruits of that are integration, gratitude, and joy. Lack of chastity is irreverence. The fruits of that are disintegration, bitterness, and cynicism (all infallible signs of the lack of chastity)."

***
Keren's note: I hope you take the time to read the entire column - there is so much more to it than what I posted here.

In so many ways I have lacked chastity, and seem to continue to find new ways, in a sense, to denigrate myself and (hopefully not, but probably) others. So to me, this is perhaps one of the most important articles I have ever read. Period.

I have pondered it in my head and my heart since Monday. It has literally taken me, and I am excited, enlightened, and wanting more. Chastity is how to see God. (read the whole thing please - link below)

It is important because it is right. Achieving the full beauty / the truth of what IS...inside our spirituality, our relationships/family lives, our communities, our country, our world, ... our individual "peace of mind" can only come from this kind of ... purity.

Can you imagine if chastity, i.e., respect and reverence, became how we handle each of our relationships, and life experiences - most importantly ... can you imagine if this is how we handle all aspects of ourselves.

here is the link.

http://www.ronrolheiser.com

www.ronrolheiser.com

Peace and Love
Keren