Happy that sermon addressed pornography issue

[bmaj]

I am thanking God that tonight’s sermon actually addressed the widespread pornography issue and the harm it can and does bring to many marriages. It’s the very first time I’ve ever heard it addressed specifically by name and indicating that it could be considered a form of adultery. The wonderful priest encouraged confession as well as asking the spouse for forgiveness as a way to begin turning away from it.

I pray this will be the start of more much needed discussions and perhaps even support groups in many churches - for the sake of my marriage and so many others as well.

Has this topic been addressed much in other Catholic churches yet?

 

[StJudePray4Me]

Although I am happy for you that you found the sermon inspiring, I would have had concerns. I attend Mass with my children ages 10 & 7. I’m not sure I would be comfortable with the subject matter…

 

[bmaj]

Although I am happy for you that you found the sermon inspiring, I would have had concerns. I attend Mass with my children ages 10 & 7. I’m not sure I would be comfortable with the subject matter…

The priest actually addressed it very tactfully in such a way that he only mentioned the word, “pornography”, once in a fairly low to moderate voice and was very careful to only discuss the sin’s very sad ramifications in a marriage and not the sin itself and what it entailed.

I think if any of the children in attendance did pick up on it they would likely either (a) ask their parents what he was talking about (which could actually lead to a very beneficial conversation before their friends influence them about it or get them “hooked” into viewing it), or (b) if they already knew about it and possibly view pornographic material themselves in private it would likely help them understand the implications and Church’s view of it better so that they would hopefully try to cease viewing it.

This seems to be such a “hidden” sin within the church that some Catholics don’t even consider it a sin at all (or at least won’t admit to saying it is), and I pray that attitude somehow changes because so many marriages all over are affected in devastating ways - even bringing about break-ups.

 

[Joseph_L_Varga]

I also often wonder about a whole host of issues, not only pornography, and whether they are being discussed often enough. However, I am so lucky, I found a number of wonderful churches in my area (Miami), with good priests who do bring up the issues of the day. In fact, the four churches I attend (I attend four because of various Mass schedules) all have wonderful and holy priests, and I find myself learning a lot from their homilies. If anything, my beef is not with the priests, but rather the irreverent and oversexualized way people dress. I really feel sorry for those priests, who have to face daily a bunch of parishioners dressed in itsy-bitsy, skin-tight tank tops, mini skirts, extra-short shorts, etc. But now that I’m done complaining, here’s how we prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet last Sunday, in the Gesu church (that’s a beautiful, old church in downtown Miami): it was a meditated form of the chaplet, and before each decade, the priest asked God to have mercy especially on sinners that commit specific types of sins. Before decade 1, he asked God’s mercy on those who commit abortions; before decade 2 - those who sin against purity, including pornography, fornication; before decade 3 - those who sin against the sanctity of marriage, including unchaste behavior, artificial birth control, adultery, abandoning one’s spouse, and the so-called gay marriage; decades 4 and 5 I no longer remember, but they also had specific sins and sinners mentioned, with a plea for God’s mercy.

 

[bmaj]

I also often wonder about a whole host of issues, not only pornography, and whether they are being discussed often enough. However, I am so lucky, I found a number of wonderful churches in my area (Miami), with good priests who do bring up the issues of the day. In fact, the four churches I attend (I attend four because of various Mass schedules) all have wonderful and holy priests, and I find myself learning a lot from their homilies. If anything, my beef is not with the priests, but rather the irreverent and oversexualized way people dress… here’s how we prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet last Sunday, in the Gesu church (that’s a beautiful, old church in downtown Miami): it was a meditated form of the chaplet, and before each decade, the priest asked God to have mercy especially on sinners that commit specific types of sins. Before decade 1, he asked God’s mercy on those who commit abortions; before decade 2 - those who sin against purity, including pornography, fornication; before decade 3 - those who sin against the sanctity of marriage, including unchaste behavior, artificial birth control, adultery, abandoning one’s spouse, and the so-called gay marriage…

So wonderful to hear those specific intentions during the Divine Mercy chaplet! Thank you for the (name removed by moderator)ut.

(I also wonder about the way some people dress at Mass here, and I imagine with the warm weather year-round in Miami it’s likely worse. Another priest at one of the churches we attend did mention that in one of his homilies awhile ago.)

 

[Joseph_L_Varga]

So wonderful to hear those specific intentions during the Divine Mercy chaplet! Thank you for the (name removed by moderator)ut.

(I also wonder about the way some people dress at Mass here, and I imagine with the warm weather year-round in Miami it’s likely worse. Another priest at one of the churches we attend did mention that in one of his homilies awhile ago.)

Bmaj, I remembered what were the intentions for decades 4 and 5. Decade 4, he asked God’s mercy for those addicted to drugs, alcohol, or gambling; decade 5, those who physically or sexually abuse their children, spouses, or other family members.

And another day, this priest had such a wonderful sermon on the apropo of some Gospel passage telling that Jesus is Lord. He said how we should understand that Jesus is supremely in command of the whole world, and how ridiculous is it when we trust stars and horoscopes to guide us instead of the Lord, or when we go to psychics, Tarot card readers, etc. There’s also some patently ridiculous occult practice called “santeria”, where they sacrifice chickens to the “Spirits”, as well as Woodoo, and so on…

But, returning to the issue of pornography, I agree that it’s one of the most destructive addictions fueled by the internet. Moreover, some areas such us South Florida, have these strip-tease bars all over the place, along the Interstate highways, in cities, etc. In Miami, you can’t drive more than 10 minutes in any direction in the city, without seeing one of these pink- or lilac-colored windowless buildings, with neon lights and photos of adult entertainers on their walls, and sadly, plenty of cars parked in front of them, day or night…

 

[stealthy1]

I remember my priest mentioning this on his Homily on Ash Wednesday. He was quite tactful about it too, not mentioning anything directly, but I’m sure we all knew what he was talking about. But I agree, the issue needs to be addressed. I remember him putting a bunch of the 12 Steps to Breaking Free booklets outside of the sanctuary.

Tying this back to today’s Homily, the priest mentioned that God never ignores prayers, of which one of the ones He absolutely listens to are the ones that we admit ourselves as sinners and ask for forgiveness. He made a suggestion to pornography and reminded us all that if we are in the struggle to give it up to not forget to ask God for forgiveness and to go to Confession.

I pray that all of us who are in this difficult struggle ask for God’s help and His strength to overcome this struggle and be pure. I know how difficult it is, I’m working through this myself.

God bless.
Ben

 

[bmaj]

Bmaj, I remembered what were the intentions for decades 4 and 5. Decade 4, he asked God’s mercy for those addicted to drugs, alcohol, or gambling; decade 5, those who physically or sexually abuse their children, spouses, or other family members.
And another day, this priest had such a wonderful sermon on the apropo of some Gospel passage telling that Jesus is Lord. He said how we should understand that Jesus is supremely in command of the whole world, and how ridiculous is it when we trust stars and horoscopes to guide us instead of the Lord, or when we go to psychics, Tarot card readers, etc. There’s also some patently ridiculous occult practice called “santeria”, where they sacrifice chickens to the “Spirits”, as well as Woodoo, and so on…
But, returning to the issue of pornography, I agree that it’s one of the most destructive addictions fueled by the internet. Moreover, some areas such us South Florida, have these strip-tease bars all over the place, along the Interstate highways, in cities, etc. In Miami, you can’t drive more than 10 minutes in any direction in the city, without seeing one of these pink- or lilac-colored windowless buildings, with neon lights and photos of adult entertainers on their walls, and sadly, plenty of cars parked in front of them, day or night…

Sounds like your Church is right on top of the pulse of today’s society, Joseph, and that’s a great thing!
I never realized the strip bars were so prevalent in some areas. We have a few here, but thank the Lord not as close as 10 minutes every direction. Very sad, and it does go right along with pornography/internet appeal and downfall of many. Satan has so many avenues to attract followers, and I truly think more Catholic churches must try to combat it more forcefully and not let it remain a relatively “hidden” sin.
Will keep praying!

 

[bmaj]

I remember my priest mentioning this on his Homily on Ash Wednesday. He was quite tactful about it too, not mentioning anything directly, but I’m sure we all knew what he was talking about. But I agree, the issue needs to be addressed. I remember him putting a bunch of the 12 Steps to Breaking Free booklets outside of the sanctuary.
Tying this back to today’s Homily, the priest mentioned that God never ignores prayers, of which one of the ones He absolutely listens to are the ones that we admit ourselves as sinners and ask for forgiveness. He made a suggestion to pornography and reminded us all that if we are in the struggle to give it up to not forget to ask God for forgiveness and to go to Confession.
I pray that all of us who are in this difficult struggle ask for God’s help and His strength to overcome this struggle and be pure. I know how difficult it is, I’m working through this myself.

God bless.
Ben

So good for your priest, Ben, to discuss the issue - and to put out the Breaking Free booklets!!! I had to order one through the internet for my husband, and it’s excellent. I so wish more Churches would make them readily available. Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut on that.

Prayers for you in this regard also. There’s an “Impurity Addiction Support Group” here at CAF that might help, too, if you’re not aware of it. Keep strong and in God’s care!