The Power of the Chaste Ones

The Apostle’s saying, “flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18), which is read by the Church on the “Prodigal Son Sunday”, reminds me of the All Comely Joseph who had fled from his master’s wife who wanted him for herself (Genesis 39). This allows us to believe that, from the days of preparation for the fast until its end, the Church wants us to fight, with great focus, this vice with a single weapon: fleeing from it. I seem to be telling you that the Holy Great Lent is for acquiring this weapon. Before the seduction of sexual immorality, there is no heroism. When I feel that sin is besieging me, my real resistance is in casting down my face, in fleeing, in taking refuge in God. In Egypt, Joseph believed that God sees him. His fleeing is an expression of his determination not to offend the eyes of a God Who is everywhere present. This is the power of the chaste ones.