“If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away… and if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.” (Mt 5:29–30)
Consider: The man whose only source of water is a natural spring goes to great lengths to protect its purity by dredging out sludge, preventing polluted runoff from flowing in, filtering the water, and guarding the spring against contamination.
Likewise, a man who desires sexual purity must purge pornography from his life, cut off its sources, and vigilantly protect himself against contamination.
Realize: Here are four principles for purging access to pornography:
1. Purge Previous Pornography Sludge – Delete pornographic files, images, saved links, browsing records, and secret accounts. Destroy media, cancel corrupting subscriptions, remove sexualized books and entertainment, and seek a priestly blessing for your home and devices.
2. Block New Pornography from Flowing In – Block pornography through routers, phones, computers, television, social media, streaming services, magazines, and video games. Install WiFi filters and device restrictions, disable private browsing and VPN access, remove dangerous apps and browsers, restrict high-temptation hours, and establish household rules for device use.
3. Filter Out Unnecessary Internet Use – Battle the Vice of Curiosity by treating the internet as a tool rather than a source of stimulation. Limit screen time, eliminate idle browsing, block unnecessary sites and apps, practice complete abstinence from the internet for many hours of the day, take an extended retreat from all access, and replace online wandering with purposeful work, prayer, study, exercise, and time with others.
4. Protect Yourself with an Accountability Partner – Place passwords and filtering controls in the hands of a trusted person to make your viewing transparent. Install accountability software that monitors and reports device activity to keep you honest.
Resolution: Today, I practice Heroic Sexual Self-discipline and grow in Chastity by taking deliberate action to purge access to pornography.
Almighty Father, I am stunned by how difficult it is to escape pornography in the internet age. I am sorry for my use of pornography and recognize my duty to avoid every near occasion of sin. I trust that You will strengthen me to purge pornography and reduce my exposure to temptation. I commit to working through the list above, seeking Your guidance, and courageously taking every action You call me to take.
Examine: What deliberate actions must I take to purge pornography from my life?
Pray: Almighty Father, help me build the Virtues of Courage (a part of Fortitude) and Studiousness (a part of Temperance) so I may fearlessly purge pornography, reject idle and tempting internet use, and use technology only to serve You and others. Amen.