Never Doubt the Power of the Sacraments

[Vendetta]

Well, it's been less than a week since I was baptized, confirmed, and given the Eucharist. I know this is a little premature, but I can't restrain myself. I'm not posting this in the mens' section because there's not many Catholics there.

Anyway, I haven't hidden the fact that I have been subject to the more carnal pleasures since somewhere between 9 and 12 years of age. It has been a daily struggle that has been marked with constant failure. The past week has been a complete turn around. When lustful thoughts start to creep into my head (and they often do), I cast them out very quickly. I haven't even come close to misusing the Internet (more or less...). It's truly been a freeing experience thus far, and I know it's because of the sacraments and God's grace. I know this is a bit more blogworthy than anything else, but hopefully it makes someone smile.

P.S. I also take a huge risk in writing this. Drawing attention to doing well has, in the past, made me slip up on the same day about 90%+ of the time. Say a quick Ave or Pater for me, as it's usually best that I just completely forget about lust.

 

[Virgil the Roman]

An Ave for you.

 

[benedictaoo]

well now that you know you will have to confess each time you slip up... or you can not have Communion, that hopefully we be enough to keep you clean.

 

[Vendetta]

well now that you know you will have to confess each time you slip up... or you can not have Communion, that hopefully we be enough to keep you clean.

QFT. Weighs heavily on my mind, but perhaps not so heavily as one may expect. Chains are heavy, but the sacraments are from God, and God's yoke is not heavy.

 

[Virgil the Roman]

Remember these precious words of Christ's, always: "My grace is sufficient for thee." (II Corinthians XII:ix). These precious words are a great consolation when in time of distress and temptation.

Christ will always give us sufficient grace to combat temptation, evil, and sin with His help. Do not fret or worry. Ours is a God that has come that we might have "life more abundantly".

 

[JoabAnias]

Join the confraternity of the precious blood and get their little books for daily devotions.

They will be an immense spiritual help to you.

Confraternity of the Precious Blood Books

 

[benedictaoo]

QFT. Weighs heavily on my mind, but perhaps not so heavily as one may expect. Chains are heavy, but the sacraments are from God, and God's yoke is not heavy.

If you do slip up, just don't get so discouraged and do go to confession and don't be too ashamed and feel like a failure.

Its so, so not about your success but that your trust in divine mercy and forgiveness to get up again, trusting in that when you fall.

Jesus fell under the weight of His suffering and pain...

There's an analogy, the sinner falls in the mud, he likes it and stays there. The good person falls in the mud, he is too ashamed by it so he lingers for a while before finally having enough of it he gets out but the holy person falls in the mud, he gets up right away and thinks nothing of it and just washes it off.

 

[Sarcalogos Deus]

well now that you know you will have to confess each time you slip up... or you can not have Communion, that hopefully we be enough to keep you clean.

That is actually what helped me overcome the same vice as Vendetta. I know I shouldn't think of confession as something to be avoided, but if it helps keep me from slipping up who am I to think different.

 

[Vendetta]

All your replies have been amiably noted =). Had another short story for the thread. I was feeling ill on Saturday (accidentally had more schnapps Friday night than I had intended...). I went to vigil mass with the girl, and she could tell I was not feeling so hot. Took the body and blood, and immediately it was gone. Really enjoying these little pseudo-miracles. And like I said, my mind has miraculously been very sealed against impure thought. When it comes, I cast it away like I've never been able to. Praise to the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly I have found the Truth.

 

[Virgil the Roman]

Blessings, You've got! The Virtue of Chasity and pure thoughts is a good one indeed.



(However, be on guard, as this may be a consolation that God may not always give. It may at times be harder. Our Souls are tried like iron in a furnace; perfected by the shaping of God's grace. Sometimes, we may have grace-giving trials or tribulations set for us in the future by God, on vice we may have temporarily been shielded from for until such a time, that God chooses to "try us like iron" by his grace and use to help perfect our soul in and by grace.)


Pax Domini.

 

[Vendetta]

(However, be on guard, as this may be a consolation that God may not always give. It may at times be harder. Our Souls are tried like iron in a furnace; perfected by the shaping of God's grace. Sometimes, we may have grace-giving trials or tribulations set for us in the future by God, on vice we may have temporarily been shielded from for until such a time, that God chooses to "try us like iron" by his grace and use to help perfect our soul in and by grace.)


Pax Domini.

Indeed, indeed. I consider it to be akin to a parent sheltering their baby because the baby is so weak. If anything, I think it speaks to my absolutely weak will that God would grant me such abundant grace. I will know, when such grace is not given, that God is preparing me to mature spiritually. Nonetheless, I thank you for your reminder, brother.

Dominus Vobiscum.

 

[Virgil the Roman]

You are very welcome. I was not trying to be downer, but just trying to offer a bit of counsel.

 

[Vendetta]

...apparently I'm going to need to make use of another sacrament before I take the Eucharist.

So...what exactly is protocol for confession?