Breaking First Commandment?

[BouncingBall]

Occasionally I say “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” instead of a cuss word when exclaiming something. A fellow Christian (non-Catholic) says I’m taking the Lord’s Name in vain.

I thought saying JMJ was all right. Do I have to confess this? I tried to explain to the man that it’s a Catholic thing, and then the other non-Catholic said that I’m taking the Lord’s Name in vain.

I used to cuss moderately, but thanks to frequent confession of this sin and really trying to cut back, I now cuss a lot less, which that man doesn’t know.

Then I grew very angry because I felt unholy. I truly see why Jesus tells us not to judge one another. That man has no idea how I struggle daily to be holy. Now suddenly I’m the Queen of Breaking the First Commandment to him.

 

[colmcille1]

Occasionally I say “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” instead of a cuss word when exclaiming something. A fellow Christian (non-Catholic) says I’m taking the Lord’s Name in vain.

I thought saying JMJ was all right. Do I have to confess this? I tried to explain to the man that it’s a Catholic thing, and then the other non-Catholic said that I’m taking the Lord’s Name in vain.

I used to cuss moderately, but thanks to frequent confession of this sin and really trying to cut back, I now cuss a lot less, which that man doesn’t know.

Then I grew very angry because I felt unholy. I truly see why Jesus tells us not to judge one another. That man has no idea how I struggle daily to be holy. Now suddenly I’m the Queen of Breaking the First Commandment to him.

Hello Bouncing Ball,
This is indeed a coincidence as I was thinking of just the same thing(cussing) today.

Personally, I wouldn’t beat myself up over it. You are struggling daily as you say and

the goodness lies within that struggle.

I know I fall desperately short of what He asks of me but I am comforted when I ponder

how immeasurable His Love is for us all. Although I try not to be too smug about it either.

When I swear, I really feel dreadful afterwards.

And, I don’t mean to come across as pedantic, but it’s the Second Commandment.

God Bless

Colmcille1.

 

[TantumErgo]

It doesn’t hurt to take one phrase out of your vocabulary, it will be hard at first since its a habit, but pray and ask God to help strengthen you.

When it comes to things of this nature I like to remember what Sister Rosalind Moss said “The standard is not ‘What’s wrong?’ The standard is ‘Does this lead me closer to God?’”

My personal opinion would be to stop saying it, offer it up to God, confess and then try to your best to stay away from saying it. Jesus, Mary and Joseph should always be spoken of in a respectful manner.

Good luck, I hope this helped, I know its hard to stop saying phrases especially when its a habit.

 

[BouncingBall]

Thanks for the replies!

Funny story; I never had heard of saying JMJ until I read a book in the 80s right after I converted to being Catholic. The book was called “Growing Up Catholic”; it listed “A List of Acceptable Catholic Swears” and I took it literally. Turns out it’s a humor book! But I was too new in the Church to understand at the time.

I guess the anger I felt was spiritual pride.

You’re right. That is the 2nd Commandment. I hope there won’t be a Quiz on that!

Amen, Amen. I will take it out of my vocabulary. And replace it with “Saints alive!” or similar.

God bless, you guys.

 

[dailey]

I remember in the second grade, Sr. Rosaria taught us kids to NEVER used God’s name in vain. However, she said it was not a sin to say other things like, “JMJ” or “holy”.

I have a horrible time not cussing! I have made big improvements though.