Read the following by Blessed Pope Paul VI: “Another effect [of using artificial contraception] that gives cause for alarm is that a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection.”  Blessed Paul VI wrote these words in his encyclical, Humanae Vitae, 50 years ago on July 25, 1968.  This controversial document was published in the hight of the American sexual revolution, the European “hermeneutics of suspicion,” student protests in France, and across the continent of Africa many countries were seeing widespread protests for national freedom from their colonial counterpart.  Needless to say, the 1960s were a time of great change around the world and most of these political and social changes were based on arguments of personal liberty; so, it’s really no surprise that the Blessed Pope’s words fell on deaf ears and was met with almost 100% resistance from both the clergy and lay people.  

    At a time where everyone around the world wanted to live life “their way” with total freedom and carelessness, the Church comes out with this document that was quickly reduced to “you can’t have sex with contraception.”  While this is the major theme of the document, its unfair and ignorant to reduce the document to that simple phrase.  Yes, Blessed Paul VI publicly states that it is a sin to use artificial contraception within the conjugal act of marriage; however, the Pope also states beautifully the theology of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.  Blessed Paul VI also makes very prophetic statements on the consequences of a society that treats sex as a purely recreational activity (go back to the first quote I opened with).  

    We have all publicly witnessed in the last couple years how people in positions of power (men in particular) have used their power to manipulate and threaten their subordinates to do things against their will.  The result of this problem (people being used as objects) did not begin once artificial contraception was invented; however, the mindset and societal approval of frequent casual sex certainly and without a doubt made the problem a much bigger one.  Having the availability of resources to have sex without the possibility of children is what gave rise to all the problems associated with the #MeToo movement and the rise in pornography and human sex trafficking.  Our society has removed the most intimate and beautiful part of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and turned it into your favorite carnival ride that you never need to buy tickets for.  

    Friends, the Church is not anti-sex.  Blessed Paul VI did not say that sex is evil and is only good for having children (St. Augustine did but that was for other reasons we can discuss later).  Just look at the scriptures!  God’s very FIRST commandment is to “be fruitful and multiply!” (Genesis 1:28) It’s in the married couple that we see the same love Christ has for the Church.  Jesus, the bridegroom, loves His bride, the Church, so much that He is willing to die for Her.  Christ on the Cross is the most intimate and selfless act a bridegroom can give His bride.  That is the conjugal love between a husband and wife and why it’s reserved for when a man and woman make that life-long commitment together.  

    Parents, please continue (or start) teaching your children how to love as Jesus loves.  Jesus doesn’t use anyone for His own personal gain, Jesus doesn’t manipulate people, Jesus doesn’t hold anything back or lie, Jesus consistently gives of himself to everyone who comes to Him.  This is how we are to love.  We don’t use people for our own personal gain or satisfaction, we don’t manipulate people, we don’t lie or hold anything back, and we ought to consistently give ourselves generously to those who need us in the appropriate ways related to our vocation.  The way we love and give of ourselves to our spouse, children, family, neighbors, students, and parishioners are very different.  This is how we are called to love. 

    My sisters and brothers, if you have never read Humanae Vitae please go and read it (you can google it and read it for free online off the Vatican website).  It’s a short down to earth document (not common in the Catholic Church) that will only benefit you.  Leave behind the baggage and gossip you may have been taught about this document and/or about the sexual teachings of the Catholic Church.  Just go in with an open heart and mind and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you through what you read regardless of how difficult or beautiful you find it.  Know that if you have any questions at all, you can reach out to myself or any priest here at St. Edward.  

Mary, Queen of Families, pray for us!