4TH Quarter Summary Reflection

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4TH QUARTER SUMMARY REFLECTION

LESSON 14: Respect for God’s Design

The topic is all about respecting one another, particularly spouses, and we will start with chastity.
Chastity is sexual self-control. It means placing sexual intimacy within one relationship and one
relationship only: marriage. Although we've used the word abstinence, we actually prefer the term
chastity when talking about sexual morality. Abstinence is about what you cannot do (engage in
sexual intimacy). Chastity is about what you can do: lead a positive lifestyle that respects self
and others. For centuries, chastity has been an admired moral virtue. Author Pat Driscoll defines
chastity as sexual goodness living out the truth, beauty, and goodness of human sexuality.

In the development of the human person and in the well-being of society, the observance of
chastity does occupy a rather important place. The high value and the nature of chastity are best
approached by a consideration of God’s plan in creating man and woman. Because chastity
promotes the integrity of the human person and respect for human life, it is a virtue for everyone.
The benefits which its observance brings and the damage done by offenses against it help us to
appreciate its importance. We shall finally consider some of the means that help us to live chaste
lives and thank God for the wisdom of the teaching of the Catholic Church on chastity. The
practice of chastity brings many benefits to individuals, families, and societies. The discipline
and self-mastery which it entails bring much peace and self-respect to the individual. Chastity is
related to justice and genuine love of other people. It therefore nourishes respect for others who
are not regarded as objects for one’s enjoyment. All this is very helpful for growth in maturity.

In particular, there is a need for education about the value of life from its very origins. It is an
illusion to think that we can build a true culture of human life if we do not help the young to
accept and experience sexuality and love and the whole of life according to their true meaning
and in their close interconnection. Only a true love is able to protect life.

LESSON 15: COMMITMENT IN LIFE

The Sacrament of Marriage is a lasting commitment of a man and a woman to a lifelong


partnership, established for the good of each other and the procreation of their children. The Old
Testament states that man was made in the image and likeness of God, and that man and woman
were made for each other and through marriage, they become one. The Church teaches that since
God created man out of love, and calls on him to love, it is proper that the union of man and
woman should be a Sacrament. The love of man and woman mirrors the love of God and their
children are part of God’s creation.

Commitment is an essential quality of any successful relationship, whether it involves a personal


friendship, a financial agreement, a business contract, or your marriage. Invariably there comes a
day when every promise and vow of allegiance will be tested. Keeping your commitment to the
promises you’ve made is fundamental to carrying you through these rough waters. Likewise, the
tests that come to your marriage are many and varied. These tests often begin with the initial
adjustments of a new marriage, or can occur during times of financial pressure, child rearing, the
loss of a job, or physical illness. When these or other pressures occur in a marriage they can
challenge the steadfastness of your vows. However, commitment is the glue that holds two
people together through difficult times. What enables you to stay the course and not waver in
your commitment when you enter these rough seas? The answer begins with an understanding of
the covenant commitment you’ve made to your spouse.

Many people enter marriage expecting it to be a life of uninterrupted bliss and happiness. But
marriage isn't always that way. Instead, love grows stronger in the midst of life's trials. In God’s
help we can surpass all of this challenges which life encompasses.

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