I joined the Movement of Pure Hearts four months ago. Before pledging myself to a life of purity, I gave the matter a lot of thought, since, though I had always wanted to be close to Jesus, I was still experiencing doubts. I was afraid I would fudge my obligations and that I would not find time for prayer and reading the Scriptures.
I knew my chief fault was laziness. It was often at the root of my broken promises. I tried many times to improve myself, but each confession was like the last: always the same thoughtlessness, the same sins. I had a habit of falling into a rut, which destroyed both the desire and the motivation to work on myself. So I hesitated a good while before taking the step. I did not want such an important promise be idle words.
The idea of living in purity was always dear to me. I knew that only a chaste life brought true happiness, freedom, and fullness of life. It protected against selfishness and enslavement, which resulted from impurity. Only with a pure heart could one discover the true meaning of love and learn to be a responsible adult. So I decided to risk it. I vowed to fulfill all the movement’s promises. I began to address my weaknesses again. I knew I needed to turn my life around.
I start each day by offering myself to Jesus and Mary. Thanks to MPH, I have discovered what prayer is all about. Only now do I know how powerful it is and how it helps to overcome problems. In prayer I have a personal encounter with God. I know He is near, and the knowledge helps me along, giving me the strength to carry out my daily responsibilities. Since making the commitment, I read the Scriptures regularly. not sporadically, as I used to. I know it is through the Scriptures that you get to know God, to understand His plan, and be convinced of His eternal love. I know that faith without deeds is worthless; Assurances are not enough. Deeds are proof of words. Being an MPH member motivates me to make a regular confession. Frequent confession is important for me, because at times I become careless and discouraged, especially now that I am getting used to a new way of life at college. Each confession moves me deeply. Thanks to the sacrament of reconciliation I can partake fully and worthily in the Eucharist.
Now I know why earlier attempts at improving myself gave such poor results and why I became so easily discouraged. I relied too much on myself, on my own strength, and my faith was weak. Becoming a better person requires our constant cooperation with Jesus. We have to entrust all our difficulties and doubts to Him, and He will not fail to help us overcome them and make the right decisions. Sometimes He speaks through other people, those whom He places in our path. Jesus always looks after us. The key is to open ourselves to His inspiration and to fight our selfishness. I try to live by the ten principles of Cardinal Wyszyński’s ABCs of Love.
I pray that MPH members may be able to keep the promises they have made to Christ. I also ask for your prayers so that I may fulfill my resolutions and find a man who, like me, wants to save sex for marriage and be faithful to Christ.
Justyna (19 years old)