Byzantine Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 I know it's sinful to knowingly subject yourself to temptations, but what if they're just a side effect of something else? Example: Filming a girls soccer game, there would be temptation to lust. But, filming it would provide a memorable thing for them, their families, and the school. Same with editing said videos. So, what to do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinytherese Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 I hope that this doesn't sound rude, but I wonder based off of your posts if you may have scrululosity. Is there a spiritual mentor in your life that you could go to to talk about these things (kind of like a spiritual director?) I also suggest reading I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux by Jean C.J. d'Elbee. I recommend that to every Catholic regardless of spiritual issues that they may be going through but especially for something like scrululosity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AccountDeleted Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 I second what tinytherese has written - you posts are always focussed on your sins rather than on the forgiveness and mercy of God. You mentioned having a spiritual father who gave you a prayer rule, right? Can he help you with this problem? It would be good to try to change your focus so much from self to God..... prayes for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byzantine Posted October 16, 2011 Author Share Posted October 16, 2011 [quote name='nunsense' timestamp='1318728622' post='2321856'] I second what tinytherese has written - you posts are always focussed on your sins rather than on the forgiveness and mercy of God. You mentioned having a spiritual father who gave you a prayer rule, right? Can he help you with this problem? It would be good to try to change your focus so much from self to God..... prayes for you [/quote] Thanks... My priest has two parishes though and is wary of advice through email. Most advice is given in maybe twenty minutes on Sundays if all circumstances are excellent... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AccountDeleted Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 [quote name='Byzantine' timestamp='1318729898' post='2321869'] Thanks... My priest has two parishes though and is wary of advice through email. Most advice is given in maybe twenty minutes on Sundays if all circumstances are excellent... [/quote] My parish priest has four parishes and yet can make time for me if I need it. Perhaps you could spend the twenty minutes he has available on this problem? He might be happy to help out if he knew it was important. I try not to bother my priest either because he is so overworked, but I still go to him when I really need to, and he is glad for me to do so. This might affect your relationship with God, so it is really important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byzantine Posted October 16, 2011 Author Share Posted October 16, 2011 [quote name='nunsense' timestamp='1318730204' post='2321872'] My parish priest has four parishes and yet can make time for me if I need it. Perhaps you could spend the twenty minutes he has available on this problem? He might be happy to help out if he knew it was important. I try not to bother my priest either because he is so overworked, but I still go to him when I really need to, and he is glad for me to do so. This might affect your relationship with God, so it is really important. [/quote] I'd like to if possible, but we run a tight schedule. I get there at maybe 8:20 and he wants me out of the confessional by 8:40 (9:00 Liturgy). Lot's of questions as well. Which ones I find most important can vary from week to week. Plus, I find that questions like the one on this thread seem to often be repeated. I don't want him to think I don't listen, because I do, but I forget and have trouble applying his advice to new problems that arise... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AccountDeleted Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Have you tried phoning him (or asking him during Confession) if you could have a separate time with him - a once off if he will - to ask about scrupulosity and what he thinks... and he could recommend some long term help for you. This problem won't go away by itself even though prayers will help, it becomes a bit like an obsession, to focus on one's sins all the time, and there are ways to deal with it - but getting help is the first step. It might feel 'holy' to always be thinking how sinful you are, but it does cause a separation between you and the merciful love of God and will cause you great pain that isn't particularly redemptive in its nature. I strongly urge you to tell your priest that this is a serious problem that you need to discuss with someone! You do have all of our prayers, I am sure, but practical help is warranted too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papist Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 It is not lust if you do not want and welcome the impure thoughts. Once the thoughts enter your head the trouble begins. I encourage you to read immediately Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West. [img]http://www.sjeciowa.org/Portals/0/images/books/TheologyoftheBody.JPG[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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