I've gone to confession - so why am I still a mess?

[DAK]

I’ve confessed to my vasectomy. I’ve been absolved of my sins. I adamantly attempt to defend Catholic beliefs, yet, those who know of my vasectomy staunchly (rightly) reject my rigid views of Catholic teachings in the face of my direct action against it previously. My question is, can I adequately defend the Catholic faith and all her teachings in light of my previous mortal sin? If I masturbate tomorrow, then, does my personal failings make all my firm arguments for Catholic teachings shallow and meaningless? I’m embarrassed that I’m a compulsive sinner, so should I shut-up until I allow God’s grace to overcome my sinfulness, or can I still pronounce His message in spite of my failings? I apologize for fumbling around on this, but my human failings seem to continually get in the way of God’s will. Can I still preach the right way although I knowlingly do not always live it? Hypocrisy is spiritually torturing me… What should I do?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

“Rigid” is their interpretation. Your faith is strong and solid and has every reason to be so. The Lord isn’t finished with you yet. Keep your eyes on Him and He will give you the strength you need. St. Peter denied Jesus three times while being an Apostle. St. Paul persecuted the Church and was responsible for St. Stephen’s stoning. But they repented as have you. Their sinful past did not prevent them from preaching the faith. Our weaknesses make us strong in that they constantly show us how much we need the Lord. Without Him there is nothing. He said that He came for sinners–not the righteous.

Fr. VIncent Serpa, O.P.