contrition

[billcu1]

I am in a situation where I would like to go to Absolution and being taking part in the Mass. It seems as I believe I am in sin that the holy spirit or something is guiding me well and I listen. But I am just not sure if I am feeling contrite enough for absolution. I am losing interest in pornography more and more but I know looking is it. I am in mortal sin. I am definately getting help from on high. Should I be praying for a contrite spirit?

Bill

 

[mik3]

Absotivly pray, then walk into the confessional and confess everything. Put the evil one behind you always, for the rest of your days on this earth. When you get the urge to sin immediately say ‘Get thee behind me satan’ Matthew 16:23. Peace to you my brother- Mik3

 

[John_Martin]

Bill,
A contrite spirit would be like St. Peter, who once said to Jesus, “Depart from me; I am a sinful man” (meaning, “You can’t want me as your friend because of what I am”. And when Peter, after having denied Jesus repeatedly, wants to see him when he runs to the tomb when hearing from the women that Jesus is alive.

It is looking at yourself and wondering how Jesus would ever want you, but then looking at yourself and seeing how much you want him, want to be with him.

Look at the “Act of Contrition” prayer. Both of those are in that prayer. In other words, it is not about whether you are “contrite enough” but about how you see yourself as you are (unsuited to being with Jesus) and seeing yourself where you really want to be (you want to be with him, and need his forgiveness in order to dare to be with him)

 

[Dorothy]

I am in a situation where I would like to go to Absolution and being taking part in the Mass. It seems as I believe I am in sin that the holy spirit or something is guiding me well and I listen. But I am just not sure if I am feeling contrite enough for absolution. I am losing interest in pornography more and more but I know looking is it. I am in mortal sin. I am definately getting help from on high. Should I be praying for a contrite spirit?

Bill

Yes, pray! And be not afraid…the Lord is waiting for you with open arms. He loves you unconditionally.

 

[billcu1]

Yes, pray! And be not afraid…the Lord is waiting for you with open arms. He loves you unconditionally.

I’m thinking about praying the morning and night prayers from the Liturgy of the hours. That might be better than the rosary since the Breviary is liturgical and the rosary a devotional. The thing is though I am getting really disgusted in looking at porn, I seem to want to look again. I don’t know if it’s habit or what. And since I am desiring to look again, is that contrition? That’s the thing. I don’t know if I’m really contrite and I don’t want to waste my time and my confessor’s time on an invalid confession and end up taking the Mass in sin.

Bill

 

[Dorothy]

I’m thinking about praying the morning and night prayers from the Liturgy of the hours. That might be better than the rosary since the Breviary is liturgical and the rosary a devotional. The thing is though I am getting really disgusted in looking at porn, I seem to want to look again. I don’t know if it’s habit or what. And since I am desiring to look again, is that contrition? That’s the thing. I don’t know if I’m really contrite and I don’t want to waste my time and my confessor’s time on an invalid confession and end up taking the Mass in sin.

Bill

The LOTH and the rosary are both great prayer forms.

I don’t remember if anyone in this thread recommended this site to you:

angelicwarfareconfraternity.org/

You sound contrite because you said you are disgusted at looking at porn. Perhaps a priest can discuss ways for you to be helped?

With God all things are possible. He is our strength.

May our Lord Jesus Christ and his holy Mother be with you on your spiritual journey.

 

[guanophore]

I’m thinking about praying the morning and night prayers from the Liturgy of the hours. That might be better than the rosary since the Breviary is liturgical and the rosary a devotional. The thing is though I am getting really disgusted in looking at porn, I seem to want to look again. I don’t know if it’s habit or what. And since I am desiring to look again, is that contrition? That’s the thing. I don’t know if I’m really contrite and I don’t want to waste my time and my confessor’s time on an invalid confession and end up taking the Mass in sin.

Bill

You definitely need to substitute a positive and life giving activity such as daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, or all of them!

Contritionis not about feeling, it is about recognizing that you are in sin (which you have already done) and that you need to be reconciled to God and the Church. God to confession, and keep going every time you need to confess. The grace of the sacrament itself will strengthen you.

Contrition does not necessarily mean you are not still drawn to or attached to sins. It is a commitment to have that attachment severed by the love of God. Read Romans chapter 7. It is a daily struggle.