Reflexively using the Lord’s name disrespectfuly/Scrupulosity and confession

[JosephJohn]

Hi there all,

I’m actually new to these forums but I’ve been reading for a while as a way to help guide my conscious on some key issues. I do struggle with scrupulousity but I also have some habitual sins that I need help getting through. Those two things together make examining my conscious difficult.

Anyway, today just as I left confession I got scared by something and I said reflexively said the lords name. I caught myself half way through and tried to stop and I might have had a moment beforehand when I knew I was going to.

I certainly don’t want to receive communion if I committed a mortal sin but I need a way to discern whether I have sinned mortally which doesn’t frighten me into daily confession in order to receive communion (unless that’s what’s nessesary). As is I go once a week for help and forgiveness for another serious habitual sin.

Any advice or prayers are welcome . (I am almost certain that this incident was venial-although I am still very sorry- I am more asking for help with this trend in my life)

 

[Lou2U]

Welcome to CAF!

My advice is to talk to your Priest and get a spiritual director if you don’t have one already. They’ll be able to help you discern and see through your scruples.

Make sure you have a strong offline network to help you. If you’re suffering particularly badly, the worst place to come for advice is here. Well-intentioned posters may make things (inadvertently) worse and one of the problems with online fora is that they can become a brief place of respite for your scruples, but you never get around to working on them because here will give you the quick answer you think you need. Make sure CAF doesn’t take the place of offline help, which will be much better for you than any advice we can give online.

 

[JosephJohn]

Lou,

Thank you for your kind response. I do agree and catholic answers certainly has on occasion made things worse not better for me. I have a nice catholic community at my school and a good priest helping me as well. He told me to confess no More than once a week as a rule which makes me uncomfortable but I understand why he told me that. I’m deciding whether I should receive tomorrow at mass otherwise I’d have waited until my next confession to ask. Do you think I should take this post down to avoid more toxic response (from well intended people of course)

 

[mVitus]

If he’s given you the advice to not Confess more than once a week, I’m guessing you two have some line of communication open. So would you have a way to ask him prior to tomorrow’s Sunday Mass?

 

[JosephJohn]

yeah, that’s a better solution, this didn’t really need to be a discussion did it …

I guess it can just be like embarrassing to ask what seems like a silly question for some reason without ananimity. But that’s also a bad reason to use a forum to get an answer. Thanks for your help.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

saying the Lords name is not a sin.

you have scruples , please speak to your priest

 

[Brendan_64]

I would say it could be a venial sin. Mention it at your next Confession, if you wish, but don’t let this stop you from reveiving Communion, and I wouldn’t rush to another Confession because of it.

 

[CatholicSpirit]

I’ve told people on here some advice which has received mixed reviews but they are valid. If you confess certain sins as an addiction your culpability is lowered.

Scrupulosity is difficult as all heck. I would enroll in a scapular to trust that you will not suffer eternal fire if you die with it on, get your home blessed so that you feel safer there, and keep a directory of patron saints bookmarked in your phone to use Matthew 6:6 and leave the room rewarded after you pray about instances you believe are sin. Trust in the saints to help with it, especially your guardian angel who will not let you down.

Remember also about Saint Peter when he fell in the water and Jesus grabbed his hand. While you may stumble, Jesus will always be holding that wrist.