Praised be Jesus Christ! And hello Lent! As promised, we’re reflecting on the role the 10 Commandments ought to play in our life. The first Commandment prohibits idolatry – i.e. putting something or someone before God. Though it might not be the first thing one thinks of, pornography is one of the many ways we can violate this commandment. For those who wonder how this can be true, remember that we are to worship God alone; anyone who has ever struggled with pornography realizes that we can begin to worship the human flesh in a way that enslaves us terribly. Recently a new documentary revealing the harmful effects of pornography was released. Titled “Chasing the Cardboard Butterfly,” it features a wide array of well-known figures in pop culture and is narrated by the lead singer of Metallica, James Hetfield. At the moment this compelling video is available for screening and has already helped many people turn away from the scourge of pornography forever. Among some of the many memorable quotes, the following comes from Hugh Grant (who starred in Notting Hill): [When asked when was the last time he watched pornography] “Ah, I’m rather proud of this, about three years ago. I went cold turkey.” [When asked if quitting porn changed his life] “I now have three children. I think there is a correlation.” And for those who think it’s a hidden vice that really affects no one else, Terry Crews concludes differently: “Pornography in a lot of ways, it really, really messed up my life . . . my wife was literally like, ‘I don’t know you anymore. I’m out of here’ . . . . By not telling people, it becomes more powerful. But, when you tell and when you put it out there in the open . . . . it loses its power.” God knows such addictive habits are very difficult to break, but with the grace God gives and a deep devotion to the Mother of God, there is always the hope of a new beginning. The 2nd Commandment prohibits blasphemy; “You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain.” Besides the holy names of God that are always to be used with love and piety, other rough and vulgar language is also bad for the soul. Profanity coarsens us but we are blinded to this fact when we speak this way because it makes us feel sophisticated. However, it just doesn’t seem as impressive when the person we’ve always dreamed of marrying uses vulgar language to express something. A factor that contributes mightily to taking God’s name in vain is alcohol and drugs. Once we begin to give away our freedom, it’s then that the devil suggests all sorts of regrettable things that we think and say. Even just hearing rough language affects us, as I know all too well from the song lyrics I still remember from music I wished I’d never heard. Our fallen minds gravitate quickly to fallen ideas – anyone can use God’s name in vain, but it takes a good person a lifetime to learn to honor God by praising His name in thought and deed. We live in a world that exposes us to a lot of sinful things. Please God, give us the strength to lessen your load by learning to “say only the good things men need to hear,” (Ephesians 4:29). May God bless you and your efforts to know, love, and serve Him more consistently this Lent!
Your friend in Christ,
Father Martin
Your friend in Christ,
Father Martin
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