In my opinion, which I usually try not to exercise with matters of faith, is that this will always be something that we as Catholics will always have to deal with. Asking ourselves, “why does she dress like that?”, or, “Why am I thinking that?”, is essentially useles and will only lead us more toward sin. The truth of the fact, is that, human nature will always be a part of our existence as human beings, and that to debate on how to remove it, would be as pointless as debating how to remove our souls. In matters like this, before I jump ot conclusions and opinions, I always look for holy back-up in the scriptures and writings of the Church.
In the Catechism, is says, “Purity requires modesty , an integral part of temperance. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusal to unviel what is hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves towards them in conformity with the dignity of persons and thier solidarity”. (2521)
Also, part of 2522, “Modesty is decency. It inspires one’s choice of clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is discreet.”
So as we can see, modesty is a virtue, and aught always be followed fully. As we are unable to avoid human nature, we are called upon to avoid sin and tempation by exercising modesty and purity. Let us not forget that this is why we must avoid sin and ask for forgiveness, because human nature cannot be overidden. Therefore, the best direct action I would say, is to pray; Never underestimate the power of prayer…NEVER… Pray for the revival of modesty and purity. We as human beings always have, and always will have these thoughts at one time or another in general. What matters is that we know them to be impure, and ask forgiveness for them. Trust me when I say, that Jesus and the Father almighty are well aware of the world, the Church, and especially the man who thinks a certain way and the woman who dresses a certain way.
Let us also not forget, that even great saints had trouble dealing with lustful thoughts. One great Saint, (Francis I believe) threw himself into a thorn bush when he was plagued by impure thoughts, (not that I am recommending it…). And when plagued with the thought of how nice it would be to have a wife and a family, he ran out half-naked in the middle of winter, built a family out of snowmen, and said, “Here is your family, now feed them!”.
(not recommeded either)
Perhaps the best thing to do is not to aks ourselves whose fault it is, or to assign blame, for these will only lead those who think of them toward anger and away from the Church. Ultimately, if you know and realize that it is impure, avoid it, and ask forgiveness, there is nothing you can do. I assure you my friends, that to continue assigning fault will ultimately get you nowhere. Instead, let us concentrate on prayer, that women will always be mindful and obediant (for if it is sinful, women must be obediantly against it) of the concepts of modesty and purity, especially, but not only in reference, Church (being within it), and that men will always avoid sinful thoughts and ask forgiveness. Let us not forget, that within the church is God the Father, Jesus, Madonna, (the tabernacle) and that to dress inappropriately or to have impure thoughts is in the clear sight and knowledge of them all. We must do all in our human powers to avoid these sins.
In a perfect world (the world to come), none of this would be necessary. All would be mindful and pained by thier sins, as is Jesus of ours (Such as was stated at Fatima-also stated that there are more sins of the flesh than any other today). But until then, we must, to quote my great-grandmother’s 106 year old bible, “persevere until the end in good works and die in thy grace.”.May Christ be with you in your discernment.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam! (to the greater glory of God),
R.A.H.
P.S. a few words of advice: always look to Scripture and Catechism before jumping to opinions, both of which can be found here while posting.
Also, you might want to look into Fr. Corapi’s televised catechism teachings. I know the tapes cost an outragueous amount of money as only Loyola and some other press make them. But trust me, if it weren’t for Fr. Corapi and his discernment of the Catechism, I would have been posting on this forum…RELIGIOUSLY!
and thankyou, sistergirl!