“But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt 5:28)
Consider: In media and real life, men are instinctively disgusted by a husband who cheats on his wife, recognizing adultery as a grave betrayal of trust and manly duty, and viewing such men as dishonorable, weak, and contemptible.
Though a married man may not yet realize it, every time he consumes pornography, he commits adultery in his heart.
Realize: Any man who views pornography commits a gravely disordered sexual act by secretly watching others engaged in sexual acts (CCC 2351, 2354). Scripture warns that King David’s lustful gaze upon Bathsheba led directly to adultery, deceit, and death (2 Sm 11:2–4). Jesus reveals that a married man who lustfully looks at another woman commits adultery in his heart (Mt 5:28), a grave sin against God, his wife, and the Sacrament of Matrimony (CCC 2380–2381); even worse, married men who view porn are more likely to eventually have extramarital affairs. Likewise, an unmarried man who views pornography while in a romantic relationship commits a grave sin against the woman, analogous to adultery. Lustful gazing is so damning that Jesus employs shocking hyperbole (gouging out an eye and cutting off a hand; Mt 5:29–30) to warn men against lustful gazing, a prophetic warning against viewing modern pornography.
Resolution: Today, I practice Heroic Sexual Self-discipline and reject viewing pornography so I may remain faithful to my wife or future wife and experience the joy of Chastity.
God of Justice, I am horrified to realize that when I view pornography, I commit a deeply disordered sexual act and commit adultery in my heart against my wife; if unmarried but in a romantic relationship, I gravely betray the woman I claim to love. Lord of mercy, forgive my past sins and help me never again commit adultery in my heart by looking at porn. I trust that You will help me remain faithful to my wife (or future wife) and give me the grace to reserve my loving gaze exclusively for my beloved. Divine Power, I am confident that You can strengthen me so that I never betray my wife or future wife again! My Savior, save me!
Examine: Why does Jesus condemn looking at others with lust?
Pray: Holy Spirit, give me the Gift of Piety so that I might always honor and uphold the blessed Sacrament of Matrimony, and that I never commit adultery in my heart by viewing pornography. Amen.