Do you love a good romantic comedy? It might help you escape from the stress of life.

Liz from Northern California brings up a concern about whether indulging in romantic comedies is akin to men watching pornography. This comparison had previously made her upset, especially as a fan of the genre. Patrick Madrid addresses this concern by distinguishing the inherent nature of romantic comedies from the explicit immorality found in pornography. He suggests that while “rom-coms” generally do not equate to the evils of pornography, there is an analogy to be considered about emotional versus visual stimulation.

Patrick explains the cultural trope that men are visually stimulated and thus drawn to pornography, whereas women might be emotionally moved by the narratives in “rom-coms,” hinting at an emotional form of indulgence. However, he clarifies that a typical romantic comedy without objectionable content does not pose the same moral issues as pornography.

Liz expresses her sentimentality towards the hope of ‘happily ever after’ that “rom-coms” often portray, contrasting with the reality that not every story ends so perfectly. Patrick reassures her by highlighting that even Biblical stories, like that of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, reflect themes of unrequited love and romantic misadventures, akin to those found in “rom-coms.”

He also shares the cautionary tale of St. Teresa of Avila, who found herself overly attached to romance novels in her youth, which she later saw as a distraction from her spiritual fervor. This serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and not allowing such entertainments to interfere with one’s spiritual goals.

Patrick Madrid encourages discernment in entertainment choices, asking whether they align with our ultimate goals—like striving for heaven and living a virtuous life. He leaves Liz (and you) with a thoughtful perspective: enjoy “rom-coms” if they are innocent, but always reflect on whether such pastimes help or hinder one’s spiritual journey.

So, next time you’re queued up for a romantic comedy binge, maybe pray a rosary or two! After all, all things in moderation, right? 😄✨

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