I am not a good Catholic

[distracted]

IThere is no church you can join
where there is never any scandal and sin going on, it’s part of our
fallen nature.

The interesting thing is that these kinds of sex scandals occur twice as often in Protestant “churches” as they do in the Catholic Church… and it hardly surprises me since most Protestants don’t believe much in the idea that sin must be punished (therefore, why not engage in some desired activity, since forgiveness is so easy to obtain?)… or maybe i should say they don’t believe sins should be “atoned for”… cleansed… PURGED. They seem to believe that Jesus took the full punishment due our sins…
Jesus’ sacrifice made it possible for us to expiate our sins… but we still have to expiate them…(through the Mass, Reconciliation, through spending time with Him, penances, sacrificing, etc…).

 

[MSJoan]

When one becomes accustomed to the weeds in the garden, they are no longer seen as weeds, but part of the landscape. You’ve taken a first important step - realizing there are weeds and they must be removed. Sometimes are so busy looking at the ground for weeds, we don’t see them sneaking in from under the bushes. As one who is constantly working to keep the weeds from taking root, I offer a couple of suggestions.

First, when you start down that path, picture Jesus going with you or sitting next to you watching what you are doing. Sometimes it helps to remind ourselves that He is always with us and sees us offending Him by our actions (He truly is always with us). Imagine looking up from what you are doing and seeing His face. As I get better at remembering His presence within me, I find the embarrasment, humiliation, pain (you name it) of picturing Him watch me sin is worse than that of having to confess the sin - so better not to sin. It has become a most powerful deterent (if only I could get better at doing it…)

Second, if possible, find a regular confessor or spiritual director. The devil has found your weak spot and will continue to exploit it for evil’s gain. A regular confessor and/or spiritual director can help you overcome these temptations.

 

[lak611]

outfctrl

Just wondering if you have ever thought of starting a Catholic, or Christian Biker Club?

There must be other’s that would like to get together and particpate in wholesome functions.

Just a thought May St. Michael help you.
Prague

There is a parish in my diocese that has an annual blessing of bikes. It is held in the spring, around the time that people take their bikes out for the first time. There actually were photos in the diocesan newspaper of the priest blessing the bikes with Holy Water.

 

[Teeliumtrozzle]

Please do not say Our Lords Name in vain.Remind yourself that crucifixion is absolute torture.Remind yourself that if you were crucified, you would find it unbearable.Please visit my website for a guide of just how unfair blasphemy is.I am NOT condemning you, I want to quench blasphemy.

 

[St_Gabriel]

Read St. Augustine’s book “Confessions of a Sinner” available at your local public library! You have a lot in common.

Also, focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary each time you have an urge.

 

[quiet52]

When my marriage fell apart, I was in the pit of depression and spiritual warfare. My desire for sex and my anger about no longer having a sexual relationship were overwhelming at times.

I gradually began to pray, although often with anger or with wretched despair and self-contempt. My oft-repeated prayer was “Lord, help my desire for you overpower this desire.” Some days I would pray it scores of times, in various emotional states. Jesus listens to us, and He heals.

My prayer gradually changed to “Lord, replace this desire with desire only for you.”

This prayer helped lead to me to a different obsession – to study the faith, to read devotional books, and to read scripture.

My prayer became “Lord, I love you, help me to love you more.”

This led to tentative, then active, involvement in parish ministries and other outreaches. Sometimes I’m exhausted, but I still pray this in spite of my imperfections and sins. I still desire what I shouldn’t, but chastity is no longer a source of grief for me. Sometimes I simply think I’m nuts, being obsessed with God and serving Christ’s Church – but I know this is when the evil one is working on me and that I need the Spirit’s reinforcement.

Keep praying, outfctrl, and keep rejoicing in prayer when you know God’s healing touch.

 

[Mark_Robert]

To the original poster of this thread, how are you doing my friend? I hope all is well with you.