To believe in Jesus today, [...] demands of us, just as it did in the past, that we take a stand for him, almost to the point at times of a new martyrdom: the martyrdom of those who, today as yesterday, are called to go against the tide in order to follow the divine Master.
- Saint John-Paul II

Purity – the notion can sound dull to some (“It's just an word that awkward Catholics hide behind because they are uncomfortable with sexuality”) or repressive to other (“If we are sincere and love each other, what's wrong with sleeping together?”). People's minds should definitely change on this, because purity is neither naive, nor pointlessly repressive. Purity is a struggle.

Claire de Castelbajac said: 

I can imagine that it's probably not unpleasant to be fondled by a handsome guy. And I'm completely aware that it'd take me a single word for me to summon a flock of them to my feet! That's why I pray, to have the courage - I could even say the 'heroism' - to resist and not have any ragazzo [“boyfriend” in Italian] before marriage”.

It has become terribly difficult to fight for purity in our society: it is mind-boggling that a global best-seller is an erotic fiction (Fifty Shades of Grey), one of the most popular TV shows of our time (Game of Thrones) borders on outright pornography at times, and you can come across billboards openly encouraging adultery. 

Purity is hard, but it is not impossible. It is a beautiful fight, but it is also an useful one: it makes us freer, happier. When you feel tempted to give up and to give yourself a way out with easy comments, like “I don't have the strength to resist, it's nature”, remember: 

This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach” (Deuteronomy 30:11) 

and 

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13). 

Sometimes, you can see young Christians withdrawing themselves, looking awkward when it comes to relationships with boys and girls*. But being “awkward” and “uncomfortable” is not the same as being “pure”. A "purity" that turns you into a closed-off person is a misconception of purity. Being pure does not mean being uncomfortable, or fearful of sexuality.  True, balanced purity brings joy, it sets us free! 

To perceive the Church's message about couples and on sexuality as a list of restrictions is misguided. This is not what the message is about. The Church presents you with a path of prudence and liberty, a beautiful path at the end of which you can find happiness. If anything, we young Christians should not shy away from speaking up about sexuality, or from speaking our minds about relationships, purity, and marriage when when asked about these topics. Let us be proud of our fight for purity that makes us freer, more "man", more "woman", more wholesome. It is an important testimony to present to the entire world !         

*Dear friend, we feel it is important to remind you to turn a benevolent and brotherly eye on anyone you could hastily label as “awkward”. Bear in mind that that every individual is a unique marvel in the eyes of God. You don't know what someone might be going through, the profound suffering they could be feeling, the heavy burden that they might be carrying from their past, ( lack of confidence, timidity, education, poor self-image - feeling too "ugly" or "weak", etc.).

A question to ask yourself

When was the last time your gaze was not pure: one hour, one day, one week ago? 

In your prayer, take a commitment for purity: for instance, recite a “Hail Mary” each time you are tempted. 

Please don't be discouraged when you fall, even if that happens a lot. 

Sincere repentance is a genuine commitment to making your very best and not fall back into your old ways, to avoiding occasions predisposed for sin, and starting anew through the cleansing power of confession – it doesn't take more for you to ‘'shed your old skin'' and be restored as a shining, Christ-loving new person. Let's remember what saint Paul teaches us : 

put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God's way in righteousness and holiness of truth” (Ephesians 4:22-24).