In the battle against sin, the progression of change towards freedom begins most often, with the external and grave sins, and moves towards the interior and venial sins: sort of like pealing back layers of an onion.  While we must decide to confront sin at all levels, that which smacks us in the face in the immediate, are the most shameful and visible sins, and we long to get rid of them.  Other deeper-seated vices, for a time, may remain hidden from our view.  After rooting out the external and mortal sins (only with God's help), we turn towards the interior and venial, to find that the seven capital sins loom large: pride, envy, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, and sloth.  The saints, whose holiness is manifest, were pained by the reality of great sin in their soul, and repented frequently.  It's a paradox that as one grows in union with the Holy Trinity, he/she simultaneously discovers with greater accuracy the true distance of separation.
     Modesty is a very counter cultural virtue.  It concerns both dress and speech.  To avoid the seductive dress and speech of our modern culture, in order to keep oneself from being a temptation for others is a thought absolutely foreign to most of the media industry, and secular America in general.  Nevertheless, in time, the conscientious Christian begins to realize that his/her goal is not only to avoid the near occasions of sin, but also to avoid the possibility of becoming a stumbling block for others.  At first, it feels rather difficult to become counter cultural.  We wish to be noticed, to be attractive, and desired by others.  We long to fit in, to be accepted, and to be humorous in the way others are humorous around us.  To learn humor with pure and positive speech is a great art.  It takes much practice and self-correction.  And to grow in the preference for being desired, loved and attractive because of the beauty of innocence, requires conversion.  Church is a really good place to begin to practice just such a virtue.  In the end, the saint rejoices and delights in this virtue of modesty, because as a result, his/her ability to taste the sweetness of divine love is increased. 
     As I close this series of bulletin articles entitled, "Sexual Purity Rediscovered," I recall my greatest aim and hope in writing, namely, to encourage all to rekindle and deepen a vision for purity, as a spiritual treasure beyond price.  The pure soul radiates a beauty and innocence that reminds us of Christ, the unblemished Lamb of God.  As purity grows, so does freedom, to choose the good and reject evil, to master one's pride and the power of sin.  This can only be done through the unfathomable gift of God's grace, with which we must cooperate.  It is the flowering of grace, accepted and obeyed, which penetrates wounded souls, restoring innocence, raising self-confidence, and multiplying virtues.  To walk strength by strength, in the order of grace, is most pleasing to God, and opens the door for God's love to flood the heart, the