I Stuggle With Scrupulosity HELP!

[Tyler_Larew]

So I tend to be very scrupulous at times in my life. There are many times where I am unsure if something is mortally sinful, or if I am falsely determining one of my sins (as to if it is mortal or venial). I think my OCD plays a role in this all, I know this is something I should bring up at my next confession, but I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips till then, as well as some comfort.

Thanks, and God bless!

 

[Bookcat]

A person with scrupulosity --ought to have a “regular confessor” who can *direct *them --and even give them some general principles to follow -to apply (for them due to their particular scruples -they are usually not for those with a normal conscience).

For they can be in a rather different boat than others. They with the direction of their confessor and the principles given - then act contrary to their scruples - ignore them -(using the older language) despise them, dismiss them–following that direction and the principles given. Acting contrary to what is not really their conscience so much as is unfounded fears. Such is a large key in the age old approach in the Church for scruples.

It is important for you to get such a regular confessor who can know you and your difficulties (OCD etc) and guide you.

 

[Bookcat]

1. When does one commit a mortal sin?

1855-1861
1874

One commits a mortal sin when there are simultaneously present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This sin destroys charity in us, deprives us of sanctifying grace, and, if unrepented, leads us to the eternal death of hell. It can be forgiven in the ordinary way by means of the sacraments of Baptism and of Penance or Reconciliation.

1. When does one commit a venial sin?

1862-1864
1875

One commits a venial sin, which is essentially different from a mortal sin, when the matter involved is less serious or, even if it is grave, when full knowledge or complete consent are absent. Venial sin does not break the covenant with God but it weakens charity and manifests a disordered affection for created goods. It impedes the progress of a soul in the exercise of the virtues and in the practice of moral good. It merits temporal punishment which purifies.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

 

[Bookcat]

Scruples like to “nag”. One instead listens to ones confessor “no that is not a sin” and does as he directs one - to act against such a scruple. Ignoring it.

Someone has a scruple about not wearing a headcovering -their confessor tells them (rightly) that such is not sinful -and he advises them - “now go to Mass without one”. “You will not sin.” So the person does so. And though they feel not good -they know they are not sinning and overcoming their scruple. Key is to have a confessor who knows one and can direct one accordingly. Following his direction. Ignoring thoughts or feelings to the contrary. For ones own compass is out of sorts. Such as I noted is the age old practice in the Church (following his direction unless it is “manifest sin” -like he tells you it is ok to murder your friend…)

 

[Tyler_Larew]

A person with scrupulosity --ought to have a “regular confessor” who can *direct *them --and even give them some general principles to follow -to apply (for them due to their particular scruples -they are usually not for those with a normal conscience).

For they can be in a rather different boat than others. They with the direction of their confessor and the principles given - then act contrary to their scruples - ignore them -(using the older language) despise them, dismiss them–following that direction and the principles given. Acting contrary to what is not really their conscience so much as is unfounded fears. Such is a large key in the age old approach in the Church for scruples.

It is important for you to get such a regular confessor who can know you and your difficulties (OCD etc) and guide you.

Yes I am currently looking for a regular confessor, I think I found a priest that I really like to. I am going to tell him I struggle with this and see what he says.

 

[SuperLuigi]

So I tend to be very scrupulous at times in my life. There are many times where I am unsure if something is mortally sinful, or if I am falsely determining one of my sins (as to if it is mortal or venial). I think my OCD plays a role in this all, I know this is something I should bring up at my next confession, but I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips till then, as well as some comfort.

Thanks, and God bless!

You need to find one spiritual director who can help you better form your conscience.

Coming on-line and asking for help is nothing something scrupulous persons should be doing, because there are too many different responses.

I would suggest reading and following this:

mission.liguori.org/newsletters/scrupulosity.htm