Proverbs 6:20-35. A lesson on keeping the commandments and the teachings of the Church. These will lead us, watch over us, and even "talk" with us. They are a lamp and a light to us, "and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life," that is, we suffer when we don't follow them. The passage goes on to specifically warn against adultery - none who commit it will go unpunished, it says. Better to stay away from the temptaion altogether than to play with fire, for "can one walk upon hot coals and his feet not be scorched?" "For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge."

The commandments and Church teachings often seem like a fussy list of prohibitions from a God who is trying to keep us from having fun, enjoying life, or pursuing our disordered sense of "love." He is not trying to deprive of us of fun, nor is he trying to deprive people of love, he is trying to protect us and others and bring us all to true happiness. The commandments are an instruction manual for life.

Adultery hurts people, deeply. Families are destroyed, children lose a father or mother, all for no reason other than the satisfaction of an unhealthy appetite. Not only do the two guilty persons sin, but their sin often leads others to sin - such as the jealous spouse. It is not worth it, and if one followed the commandments from the beginning, and did not get into a position where he or she was coveting his neighbor's spouse, all of this pain and sin could have been avoided.

That is what the commandments and the Church teachings are all about - not fussy rules, but guardrails to keep us on the path, an instruction manual so we know even the small things not to do, because they will cause big trouble later. They are a lamp for our steps, so we don't wander off into the darkness. When we find that we have wandered into the darkness, though (and we all do sometimes!), we can ALWAYS turn back to the light, and follow it back to the path. The Divine Mercy is waiting to welcome us back!