Are You Bothered By Public Displays of Affection?

What is your opinion about public displays of affection (PDA's)? Many people have varied opinions and many times it varies from when they are single to when they are in a relationship. But wouldn't you agree that for the most part, there is a time and a place for anything more than hand-holding, sitting with his arm around her shoulders or a quick peck on the cheek? Anything more in public seems, well, impolite.

If we are going to live chaste lives - singles, dating couples and married couples alike, we've got to guard our eyes. We live in a society whose manners are rapidly declining and some couples can bring blush to the cheeks of even long-time married couples with their intimate displays of affection. But I know for single people who must witness the infelicitous public encounters of other couples, it not only invites the opportunity for impure thoughts, but it can also strike the chord of loneliness and disenchantment with the single life.

Those who are widowed or divorced might have a particularly difficult time. When a marriage ends, so does the intimacy between spouses. Not merely sexual intimacy, but that deep connection that spouses have with each other; being one heart, one mind, one soul as well as one body.

If you are familiar with my articles, you'll know that I'm a big fan of releasing your grip on what you cannot control, and moving full steam ahead on what you can control. So, while you cannot control other people and their actions, you can close your eyes, turn your head, go back to reading your book, whatever. Those are good things to do, but they're all reactionary. Let's talk about something really wonderful you can do to help curb the lonely feelings you might be experiencing when you see other couples' PDA's... receiving Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Just think about it for a moment. A bride and groom give themselves to each other and they become one flesh. Christ, the Bridegroom gives Himself totally - flesh and blood - to you to become one with you, every time you receive the sacrament of the Eucharist. It is a joy and a love that none can surpass and this is Christ's public display of affection for you. It is Divine intimacy and no other type of intimacy can be more precious, more loving, more valuable.

What's even more wonderful, is each time you receive Holy Communion, you are united with all three persons in the one God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – in the deepest and most personal way, and all three persons resides in you.

Those of you who seek the delights of the ineffable gift... wear the wedding garment of a sincere faith; and let us together hasten to the mystical banquet. Today, Christ invites us; today, Christ serves us. Christ, the lover of mankind, renews our strength. – Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria in Egypt in the 4th and 5th centuries.

I encourage you to receive Holy Communion as often as possible and never forget Christ's very personal and very public display of affection, especially for you.

Got questions? Email me at asklisa@catholicmatch.com.