Pope Shenouda III speaks in this lecture about the commandment of purity as explained by the Lord Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, clarifying that the commandment is not limited only to the outward act, but extends to the thought, the heart, and the senses. The Lord Christ did not abolish the commandment, but revealed its true spiritual depth.

Pope Shenouda III confirms that the sin of adultery was known from ancient times before the written law, because God placed His commandments in the conscience and heart of man. Therefore, humanity understood that this sin angers God and spiritually corrupts man.

He also explains that the problem is not in merely looking, but in the look accompanied by lust, because sin begins from inside, from the thought and the heart, and then turns into action. Therefore, the Lord Christ said: “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

He also explains that God desires purity of heart and not only purity of body, because a person may appear outwardly pure while his heart is full of sinful thoughts and desires. Therefore, Christianity cares about sanctifying the mind, the senses, and the will.

Pope Shenouda III also discusses the importance of fleeing from stumbling blocks and staying away from everything that leads to sin, whether readings, pictures, friendships, thoughts, or any influences that weaken the heart. He gives the example of Joseph the Righteous who fled from sin despite the severity of the temptation.

He also explains that a person needs to fill his heart and mind with spiritual matters such as prayer, meditation, holy readings, and hymns, so that evil thoughts may not find a place within him. The empty mind is more exposed to mental wars and lusts.

The lecture confirms that Christianity calls man to discipline the senses, the mind, and the will, and not to let the soul drift behind lusts, imaginations, or impure thoughts, because true purity begins from within.

At the end of the teaching, Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that the life of purity is not merely refraining from outward sin, but rather a pure life in thought, heart, and body that preserves man in fellowship with God and in continual spiritual peace.

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