A growing concern

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

I’M referring to the growing cases of same-sex attraction among students in our country. Though specific research is limited regarding the prevalence of same-sex attraction among students in our high schools, colleges and universities, we cannot deny that we are hearing more and more about these cases nowadays.

When this matter is not taken seriously among those involved in our educational system, starting with the parents at home, and when the relevant factors contributing to this condition are not identified and addressed, and with all other things that can contribute to it—like easy access to pornography, some groups that are actively advocating sex ed that is free-flowing and unrestricted—we should not be surprised why we have this issue.

We need to do something about this before things spin out of control. While we always have to show understanding and charity toward those involved, we should do everything to minimize these cases, if not resolve them completely.

I believe the things to do, among others, is first of all to really clarify what human sexuality is all about. Sad to say, the God-given natural law about human sexuality has been distorted in many ways by certain ideologies and cultures that have put God at the sides, if not ignored completely and contradicted.

Human sexuality is a very delicate topic that has to be handled very, very well. It is so delicate that even a little misunderstanding of it can cause tremendous damage in the spiritual life of a person. It is where the disconnect between man’s body and soul, and ultimately between God and man, can be the sharpest. It can leave us blind, deaf and insensitive to the spiritual and supernatural dimension of our life.

The parents and the teachers play a crucial and indispensable role in this regard. That is why, we should see to it that they have a clear idea about what human sexuality is all about. They should be the first ones to give the teaching and example about how human sexuality should be understood and lived.

Obviously, we should approach individuals with this issue with respect, compassion and sensitivity, avoiding unjust discrimination. Everyone should realize that we are all called to live the virtue of chastity, and that virtue is about living our human sexuality in accordance with God’s plan.

There should also be a provision of support and accompaniment to help those affected how to live chastely. Thus, some spiritual direction, mentoring and counselling would be highly recommended. Everyone should truly develop a healthy spiritual life, because without it there is no way but for us to fall into all kinds of disorder, same-sex attraction included. It should be made clear that living chastely is a path to holiness.

Yes, our human sexuality should be sanctified. It should not just be subject to our animal instincts. It should be trained to behave according to God’s will and law about it. Of course, given our wounded nature, where it is very vulnerable to just follow the blind and erratic ways of our hormones and other earthly factors, we really would need God’s grace, first of all, and our all-out effort to attain its ideal condition.

Thus, we need to understand that we can only sanctify sex and use it properly when we grow in our love for God and neighbor, such that we freely follow what God’s will and law on it is. As a corollary to this, we will understand that sex is actually a very sacred thing, and not just a toy to be played around according the movements of our human or animal lust.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com