Many of our desires are contradictory and destructive. Therefore, in His mercy, "the grace of God has appeared, offering salvation" and training us "to reject godless ways and worldly desires, and live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age" (Ti 2:11-12). The Lord commands us: "Live soberly" (1 Pt 1:13), and "do not yield to the desires that once shaped you in your ignorance" (1 Pt 1:14). "You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God" (1 Pt 4:2). "You must lay aside your former way of life and the old self which deteriorates through illusion and desire" (Eph 4:22). Unless worldly desires are rejected, they will deform us, take away our lives, and cause our lives to deteriorate. Therefore, "those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24).

In this year dedicated to the Holy Spirit, ask the Spirit to lust against the desires of your flesh (Gal 5:17) and give you the strength to crucify your desires. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Cor 3:17). Do not be enslaved by your desires but be free in the Holy Spirit.

Rescript:  ..

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, April 4, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 8, 1998