Sex Advice From Paul?

Friday of Week 21 in Ordinary Time
Feast of Saint Augustine, Bishop, Doctor

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

This is the will of God, your holiness.

There has been much news and commentary over yet another "sex as conquest" culture in a New England boarding school.  I'm wondering if Paul wasn't reacting to something a bit similar when he challenges the Thessalonians to act differently than their Gentile neighbors who are apparently having trouble controlling their lust.

Why is Paul all concerned about sexual behavior?  Well, because the Holy Spirit is suppose to be animating the Christian's life.  What the Christian professes to believe must translate into how he/she lives.  This "sex as conquest" is one example of how others are made into things, commodities to be used or consumed for one's own satisfaction.

Paul says: Don't THING another!  Don't objectify another!  That's not what Christian love looks like.  Period.  And this goes beyond just sexual behavior…so there is a takeaway for everyone here!

Saint Augustine finally learned this…
After Monica prayed and prayed and prayed...
Saints Augustine and Monica, pray for us all.