Does it REALLY help to do the sacraments?

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So let’s face it: I am not as good of a person as I once thought I’ve known this for a while but it keeps getting more obnoxious to me. Truth be told I am actually quite the unsavory sort, which is grievous. If I start doing the sacraments will I get better than forgiven? I mean, as it is, it seems plumb impossible to consistently act like a righteous person. “Therefore you shall be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” I understand the sacraments are not magic. So I am wondering in practical terms, as in fighting temptation and practical virtue, do the sacraments really effect a substantial experience of transformation from impoverished to virtuous character. I guess I just wonder, is it all true? Has anyone really been transformed by sacremental grace? My only sacremental experience is baptism.
 
Yes, long story but there have been changes in me I would not have dreamed of and sacraments played a major part. They are instruments of the Holy Spirit who is not limited to them but as humans we like tangible things. The sacraments are tangible expressions of intangible grace and they make happen what they express. That is my paraphrasing.

Of course especially Reconciliation and Communion.
 
The sacraments give us grace. What we do with that grace is our choice. We can increase grace in our souls by practicing virtue, or lose it through sin or neglect. Does the reception of grace help us to practice virtue? Yes! We also have to have a prayer life. Without that, the grace we receive won’t do us much good. To receive the sacraments and not pray is like taking medicine and never breathing oxygen.
 
We are all works in progress till we reach heaven.

Yes, your commitment to God through undertaking the Sacraments will help you.
 
So let’s face it: I am not as good of a person as I once thought I’ve known this for a while but it keeps getting more obnoxious to me. Truth be told I am actually quite the unsavory sort, which is grievous. If I start doing the sacraments will I get better than forgiven? I mean, as it is, it seems plumb impossible to consistently act like a righteous person. “Therefore you shall be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” I understand the sacraments are not magic. So I am wondering in practical terms, as in fighting temptation and practical virtue, do the sacraments really effect a substantial experience of transformation from impoverished to virtuous character. I guess I just wonder, is it all true? Has anyone really been transformed by sacremental grace? My only sacremental experience is baptism.
Jesus says, I rather you be cold than lukewarm. (Revelation 3:15…).

I suggest to you, you do as Jesus tells you to do.
 
Saint Jerome had such a vile temper that he carried about with him a rock with which he stuck himself on the chest. One Pope reportedly said “Good that you carried that rock, Jerome. Without it the Church would never have canonized you!”

Penance and the Sacraments.
 
Jesus says, I rather you be cold than lukewarm. (Revelation 3:15…).

I suggest to you, you do as Jesus tells you to do.
15 I know thy works: that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot:

16 But because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest: I am rich, and made wealthy, and I have need of nothing: and knowest not, that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be made rich, and mayest be clothed in white garments, and the shame of thy nakedness may not appear: and anoint thy eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.

Haydock Commentary

— Thou art neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm. A dreadful reprehension, whatever exposition we follow. According to the common interpretation, by the cold are meant those who are guilty of great sins; by the hot, such as are zealous and fervent in piety and the service of God; by the lukewarm or tepid, they who are slothful, negligent, indolent, as to what regards Christian perfection, the practice of virtue, and an exact observance of what regards the service of God. On this account they are many times guilty in the sight of God of great sins, they forfeit the favour and grace of God, fancying themselves good enough and safe, because they live as others commonly do, and are not guilty of many scandalous and shameful crimes, to which they see others addicted.

— I would thou wert either cold or hot. This is not an absolute wish, because the condition of the cold is certainly worse in itself; but it is to be taken with regard to the different consequences, which oftentimes attend these two states, and to signify to us that the lukewarm may be farther from a true conversion, inasmuch as they are less sensible of the dangers to which they remain exposed, than such as commit greater sins. Their careless indevotion becomes habitual to them, they live and die with a heart divided betwixt God and the world; whereas greater and more shameful sinners are not without an abhorrence of such vices which they commit; a fear of punishment, of hell and damnation, strikes them by the mercies of God offered even to sinners, and makes them enter into themselves like the prodigal son; they detest their past lives, and by the assistance of God’s graces become both fervent and constant in the duties of a Christian life. (Witham)

— Tepidity in a Christian life, and in the service of God, is oftentimes more dangerous than absolute wickedness. The open sinner is easily made sensible of his danger; he experiences the stings and reproaches of conscience, whilst the tepid Christian lives without remorse, fear, or apprehension, and listens not to those who wish to shew him the danger of his situation. I dare venture to affirm, says St. Augustine, that to fall into some public and manifest sin would be of advantage to the proud, that so those who by their self-complacency had so often fallen before, may now become displeased with themselves and humble. (Calmet)

— To the lukewarm it is said, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth; i.e. if thou continue in that state, I will permit thee to run on and be lost in thy sins. Thou blindly sayest within thyself, I am rich, &c. A false conscience generally attends a lukewarm soul and those who serve God by halves; they flatter themselves that all goes well enough with them, when they see they are not so vicious, as many others: but here the spirit of God, who penetrates the secret folds and windings of slothful souls, admonisheth them of their dangerous mistakes, that they are wretched, poor, blind, and naked, when God, by his grace, does not inhabit their souls, though they may have millions of gold and silver in this world.
 
Does it help to breathe? Same answer applies…for the same reason!
 
So let’s face it: I am not as good of a person as I once thought I’ve known this for a while but it keeps getting more obnoxious to me. Truth be told I am actually quite the unsavory sort, which is grievous. If I start doing the sacraments will I get better than forgiven? I mean, as it is, it seems plumb impossible to consistently act like a righteous person. “Therefore you shall be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” I understand the sacraments are not magic. So I am wondering in practical terms, as in fighting temptation and practical virtue, do the sacraments really effect a substantial experience of transformation from impoverished to virtuous character. I guess I just wonder, is it all true? Has anyone really been transformed by sacremental grace? My only sacremental experience is baptism.
I have found that a good preparation for the sacraments beforehand is what enables us to make the most use of the graces given. It is easy to grow cold and matter of fact about the holy mysteries. God help us to always be in Your Presence!
 
I actually had the chance to perform a kind of experiment on this: usually I can go to Confession only once a month or so, but for a while, I was able to go almost every week.

It was great: I definitely improved during that time and felt that I grew in holiness 🙂 I was minded to keep an eye on my virtue more during the week, and overall reduced the number of items on my confession list (both kind and number ;)) ETA: also, this was not like gritting my teeth and doing the right thing but simply having a better ability to do the right thing! (end ETA)

So I would say yes, definitely receiving the sacraments REALLY does help, but we also REALLY have to support that. For example, if I had a plant, fertilizer would definitely help it grow, right? But if I neglected to also water it, the fertilizer would not be able to overcome that neglect. So we must respond positively to the graces we receive, and “support” them through a full prayer life, fasting, and almsgiving.
 
The graces you receive in the sacraments help your spiritual “muscles” grow. Your post makes me believe that God is working in your life. He is inviting you to come closer to Him. This is a good thing. All you have to do is cooperate with the graces received by praying and frequent devout reception of the Sacraments.
 
So let’s face it: I am not as good of a person as I once thought I’ve known this for a while but it keeps getting more obnoxious to me. Truth be told I am actually quite the unsavory sort, which is grievous. If I start doing the sacraments will I get better than forgiven? I mean, as it is, it seems plumb impossible to consistently act like a righteous person. “Therefore you shall be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” I understand the sacraments are not magic. So I am wondering in practical terms, as in fighting temptation and practical virtue, do the sacraments really effect a substantial experience of transformation from impoverished to virtuous character. I guess I just wonder, is it all true? Has anyone really been transformed by sacremental grace? My only sacremental experience is baptism.
Here are some Catholic dogmas (de fide) showing how we are helped by actual grace. Actual grace may be given even before conversion.
  • There is a supernatural intervention of God in the faculties of the soul, which precedes the free act of the will.
  • There is a supernatural influence of God in the faculties of the soul which coincides in time with man’s free act of will.
  • For every salutary act internal supernatural grace of God (gratia elevans) is absolutely necessary.
  • Internal supernatural grace is absolutely necessary for the beginning of faith and of salvation.
  • Without the special help of God the justified cannot persevere to the end in justification.
  • The justified person is not able for his whole life long to avoid all sins, even venial sins, without the special privilege of the grace of God.
From: Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Ludwig Ott.
 
So let’s face it: I am not as good of a person as I once thought I’ve known this for a while but it keeps getting more obnoxious to me. Truth be t


Going to mass will give u focus and make u feel good.

Read some of fr john harden Marian cathatust

He has religious training for people
 
So let’s face it: I am not as good of a person as I once thought I’ve known this for a while but it keeps getting more obnoxious to me. Truth be told I am actually quite the unsavory sort, which is grievous. If I start doing the sacraments will I get better than forgiven? I mean, as it is, it seems plumb impossible to consistently act like a righteous person. “Therefore you shall be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” I understand the sacraments are not magic. So I am wondering in practical terms, as in fighting temptation and practical virtue, do the sacraments really effect a substantial experience of transformation from impoverished to virtuous character. I guess I just wonder, is it all true? Has anyone really been transformed by sacremental grace? My only sacremental experience is baptism.
Hi Mammoths,

I’ve got to give you a lot of credit for your openness and honesty so I’ll do the same. I go to daily Mass about 2-3 times per week and yet I continue to be a sarcastic, critical, judgmental, impatient, and selfish person. It disgusts me and I had a tendency to think of myself as a horrid person. But, what I’ve found is that I’m just human and for some reason I have a really hard time being holy!! I look at it this way using an analogy:

I was the type that had to study like crazy in school to get good grades. It was a constant struggle. But, I had a few friends who barely opened a book and got all A’s. A good Christian would be happy for them, but all it did was frustrate me!! LOL! There are just some people who are naturally smarter and I’m not sure why. In the same way there are some people who just seem to find it easier to “be good” than others. Maybe it’s their personality, their demeanor, or maybe they just fight temptation harder than I do.

I have friends who are Protestants and are a much better person than I am even though I utilize the sacraments on a somewhat frequent and regular basis. Does that make the sacraments not very beneficial or valuable? Absolutely not! It’s on me. I just need to better utilize the graces the sacraments offer. I feel awesome every time I go to Mass and go to confession…and yet I do stupid things…sounds like you and I have similar issues.

But, I will tell you that I am a MUCH better person the more I focus on Jesus and His sacraments. If nothing else, I am much more aware of my sins, my need for forgiveness, my need to be saved, and most importantly how loved I am. Hopefully, there will be a day when I fully take advantage of the graces offered to me! Until then, I will just keep fighting the good fight as I hope you will do as well!

-Ernie-
 
Hi Mammoths,

I’ve got to give you a lot of credit for your openness and honesty so I’ll do the same. I go to daily Mass about 2-3 times per week and yet I continue to be a sarcastic, critical, judgmental, impatient, and selfish person. It disgusts me and I had a tendency to think of myself as a horrid person. But, what I’ve found is that I’m just human and for some reason I have a really hard time being holy!! I look at it this way using an analogy:

I was the type that had to study like crazy in school to get good grades. It was a constant struggle. But, I had a few friends who barely opened a book and got all A’s. A good Christian would be happy for them, but all it did was frustrate me!! LOL! There are just some people who are naturally smarter and I’m not sure why. In the same way there are some people who just seem to find it easier to “be good” than others. Maybe it’s their personality, their demeanor, or maybe they just fight temptation harder than I do.

I have friends who are Protestants and are a much better person than I am even though I utilize the sacraments on a somewhat frequent and regular basis. Does that make the sacraments not very beneficial or valuable? Absolutely not! It’s on me. I just need to better utilize the graces the sacraments offer. I feel awesome every time I go to Mass and go to confession…and yet I do stupid things…sounds like you and I have similar issues.

But, I will tell you that I am a MUCH better person the more I focus on Jesus and His sacraments. If nothing else, I am much more aware of my sins, my need for forgiveness, my need to be saved, and most importantly how loved I am. Hopefully, there will be a day when I fully take advantage of the graces offered to me! Until then, I will just keep fighting the good fight as I hope you will do as well!

-Ernie-
I would speculate along those lines that if I didn’t believe in Jesus I would be a much worse person than I am. Instead of just angry and prideful I would probably be a murderous sociopath. The thing is I am sure the capacity for that is there. But I don’t find myself satisfied that I am not as evil as the unibomber–even though it’s tempting to be so bad. I would like to be as good as a saint–but I find sloth, greed, lust, rage, pride, selfishness often seem appealing for a moment. The straight and narrow seems impossible in practice.
 
I would speculate along those lines that if I didn’t believe in Jesus I would be a much worse person than I am. Instead of just angry and prideful I would probably be a murderous sociopath. The thing is I am sure the capacity for that is there. But I don’t find myself satisfied that I am not as evil as the unibomber–even though it’s tempting to be so bad. I would like to be as good as a saint–but I find sloth, greed, lust, rage, pride, selfishness often seem appealing for a moment. The straight and narrow seems impossible in practice.
Again, I’m not too dissimilar as I say that if not for my wife and the Lord I’d probably be in a pretty dark place. For me, the straight and narrow road is seemingly impossible for long stretches, but attainable for short periods of time. I just try to stay on that narrow road as long as I can without beating myself up too badly for failing yet again. I find myself tripped up or in “ditches” often because of temptation and sin and that is why the graces obtained in confession (for the forgiveness of all of my venial and mortal sins) as well as Mass (for forgiveness for all of my venial sins) are so vital to me. So much so that I can’t imagine how people stay on that narrow road without them.

We’re all on the path of becoming a saint (some struggling more than others…haha!) but even though I seem so far away from that now I fight the good fight and actually look forward to Purgatory where I will be fully and completely purified. The thought of being pure is nearly unbelievable yet so darn exhilarating for me that it keeps me going.

My advice, for whatever its worth, is to just keep in mind you’re human and that we’re all under attack by the devil. That we need to just keep fighting and never give up no matter how frustrating it is to lose a battle to temptation. Remember the war has already been won for us by Jesus!

God gives us graces all the time (every time we think or do something good it is because of the grace of God) to combat the temptations that come our way. We just need to decide to go the route of grace rather than temptation. Sounds so easy…ha! It’s definitely not easy as St. Paul called his spiritual life a race, a fight, and wrestling against spiritual forces of evil. If it was a battle for a great man of God like Paul it’s going to be a battle for us!!

And bottom line for me is that the Church and the sacraments play an absolutely vital role in my daily battle and I hope they can play the same role for you.

God Bless!

-Ernie-
 
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