Problem

[green123]

I am a college student and I’ve had a problem with lust for many years now. I consider myself to be a religious person but despite that I always seem to fall into it. There is a Catholic chapel on our campus and praying before the Blessed Sacrament for a half hour everyday seems to be helping out a lot but not completely solving the problem. What else can I do? Thank you all.

 

[Lancer]

First, I commend you for the courage to truthfully recognize the problem…and say…this is neither – who I am…nor who I want to be…!

John 8: 31-32 (NIV) 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Second, Look up the*** Serenellians***…website…it is a Catholic apostolate to counter impurity…pornnomore.com/Serenellians.htm

** The Serenellians are an apostolate established for the singular purpose of providing an organized means and resource with which to confront, address and counter the problems of impurity and moral corruption in our society today, a spiritual army to do battle against the insidious evil of pornography.**

The Serenellians is …named after Alessandro Serenelli – the young man who murdered** the 12-year old Maria Goretti in a fit of lust-filled rage…and who later repented, went through a remarkable conversion…served his time in jail…and was present…along with her Mother…when Saint Maria Goretti was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950.

******As a result of her resistance, Alessandro Serenelli stabbed Maria 14 times. What makes this story so incredible is that during the 20 hour period in which Goretti clung to life, she forgave and prayed for her attacker. After being sentenced to prison, Serenelli experienced a vision of Maria, smiling and surrounded by lilies. At that moment, he felt peace and began to live a constructive life. After being released from prison, he moved into a Capuchin monastery and worked in the garden as a tertiary. In 1950, he attended Goretti’s canonization ceremony along with her mother.

Three specifics…any/as much time that we men can spend in front of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament/Eucharistic Adoration…is number 1…at the top of the list. Also, the Sacrament of Penance is got to be number 2 in the “fight”…remember what Blessed Pope John XXIII said…"…man is at his greatest when he is on his knees praying and begging God mercy…" Here is another very important (I would even dare say spiritually critical) truth se should always have in mind and heart…as seek the grace to confess our sins in the Sacrament of Penance…what Pope John Paul, The Great wrote in his

**POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION *RECONCILIATION AND PENANCE…(from para 31):
*The confession of sins therefore cannot be reduced to a mere attempt at psychological self-liberation even though it corresponds to that legitimate and natural need, inherent in the human heart, to open oneself to another. It is a liturgical act, solemn in its dramatic nature, yet humble and sober in the grandeur of its meaning. It is the act of the prodigal son who returns to his Father and is welcomed by him with the kiss of peace. ** It is an act of honesty and courage. It is an act of entrusting oneself, beyond sin, to the mercy that forgives.

vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_02121984_reconciliatio-et-paenitentia_en.html

Lastly, number 3 is fasting and physical exercise…learning to control the body…to discipline it (in a healthy way…nothing radical or harmful)…are must do activities!

Remember…it is always God’s grace (in all things) that inspires us or propels us to do anything “good or holy”…so thank Him in advance…and…thank Him continuously…for His love and mercy endures forever!!

Hope this is helpful…Pax Christi

 

[jimcintosh]

I am a college student and I’ve had a problem with lust for many years now. I consider myself to be a religious person but despite that I always seem to fall into it. There is a Catholic chapel on our campus and praying before the Blessed Sacrament for a half hour everyday seems to be helping out a lot but not completely solving the problem. What else can I do? Thank you all.

Like all animals, we have basic needs such as food, water, air and reproduction. This is a basic drive common to all human beings and therefore very difficult to get under control.

Even the greatest saints have felt its pull. “When, early in (St. Francis of Assisi’s) new life, he was violently tempted, he threw himself naked into a ditch full of snow. Again when tempted like Benedict he plunged into a briar patch and rolled about until he was torn and bleeding” (from the EWTN library. Also, see this this reference about Francis whipping himself when he felt lustful.

Few people have the strength to overcome this basic drive (as only a few supermodels have the strength to permanently overcome our basic drive to eat). It is possible, but terribly difficult.

A strategy many have used is to sublimate the sex drive into another drive, such as being creative. Many artists talk about avoiding sex when they are in the midst of a creative streak. Using the energy created by the sexual urge in another way may be a successful solution for you.

Just trying to not think about sex (like trying not to think about elephants, or whatever) will almost never have the desired results.

 

[baltobetsy]

You are taking it to Confession, are you not? That’s one of the biggest helps, because you receive ***specific graces ***to overcome the specific sins you mention in Confession.

Betsy

 

[camerong]

I used to always feel the temptation in a certain situation; I started singing a Christian song whenever I was in that situation. I think focusing on Christ is the best antiseptic against lust, and the more practical, the better. Don’t just tell yourself, “I’ll think about Christ next time.” Actually do something–hold a crucifix, sing a certain song, pray (or just hold) a Rosary, look at a statute or picture of Mary… I recommend putting a picture of Christ crucified or Mary on your computer background, around your computer, in the bathroom, anywhere else around the house someone often feels temptation towards lust. If you are tempted not by things in your own house (such as content on your computer), but by females you meet, figure out ways you can avoid them. You will always meet those whose dress or actions will try to tempt you, but you can avoid many of those situations. I don’t go to college bars at night, because I don’t want to see what the women wear. Even in Mass, I often have to just close my eyes through the whole service to avoid noticing the immodest worshipers in front of me.

Although I like the above suggestion about the snow-filled ditch… might get some weird looks from the neighbors, however.

 

[green123]

Hey guys! Thanks for all of your advice! I’m doing better than I have been (one step at a time). I have another problem though. My faith has been badly shaken lately. I no longer the zeal for the faith that I used to have. Is there anything I can do to restore it? Thanks!