Slacking off, in sin, and going through a dry spell

[lauraabarlow]

Hi-I really need prayers and encouragement-and maybe an attitude adjustment. I love Jesus and want so bad to be in God’s good graces yet out of frustration and discouragement have fallen away somewhat. For the last 2 weeks, I’ve tried going to confession with no luck (3 times-long line, ran out of time or no priest availability at assigned times). Finally, after my teenager bugged me about going, I reluctantly called to make an appointment for him, my youngest, and myself. Lately, he has been more devout catholic than me-and I really am fighting this spiritual battle of sorts. I keep questioning somewhat although I already know the answer about the necessity of all the sacraments and so forth. I really to be honest know I need to go yet am dragging my feet about going lately. I suppose after many hurdles and discouragement, I don’t want to frequent the sacraments anymore. I am in mortal sin-missed mass and slacking off-thank goodness one of my kids have a very level-head and convinced me to call to make an appt with a priest so we can confess. I pray that the fire of wanting to be strong in faith will return to my heart-I hate feeling this way. I sure can use prayers to strengthen my faith-thank you so very much.

 

[bscastro]

I will be praying for you in my daily Rosary.

Also, from what I have read and experienced, we all go through these dry spells in our faith. Keep praying and remember that our Lord is merciful AND just.

I am reading a book you may find very interesting and helpful, it’s C.S. Lewis The Screwtape Letters. It’s basically about a demon writing to his nephew - also a demon - and discussing how to turn their “patients” toward evil and away from the “Enemy” - the Lord. One thing Screwtape discusses is that those who continue to do good and follow our Lord despite this dryness will be hardest to turn.

So continue to go to Mass, go to confession, and live your faith even if you don’t “feel” like it. Your fire will be reignited in no time. I know because this is what happened to me just a few months ago. I was going through the motions. But through God’s grace and making choices day by day to get closer to Jesus through scripture and the Sacraments the fire was reignited. Offer this struggle up to the Lord.

God bless,
Bryan

 

[Gertabelle]

The only thing I can say is that most of us probably feel this way at times.

But the practice of our faith and our belief in God should not be predicated on our “feelings.” Society these days likes to say “you can’t control your feelings.” That may or may not be true; but being an adult means you don’t have to let your feelings control you.

I would highly recommend, besides getting to confession, that you make sure you are learning about the faith through reading the Catechism, or just some of the information available on the Catholic Answers main website. Increase your prayer life so you are working on your relationship with God.

And while you are showing great humility in your response to your children’s requests, you really need to take the lead in your children’s education in the faith.

I’ll keep you in my prayers. As a way-too-busy single mom, teacher, and Cub Scout leader, I understand the dryness you’re speaking of. Whether your feelings change or not, stay the course – Christ, and especially Christ in the Eucharist, is the source of our strength. Hang in there. You’re not alone, except when you’re in the confessional

Gertie

 

[MariaGoretti88]

Dear OP,

I know what you’re going through and I’ll be praying for you. Perseverence is a hard virtue to practice, but with God all things are possible. A PP made a great point about the Screwtape Letters and I’m glad he mentioned it because it is true that when we persist in good works regardless of how we “feel,” we gain so many graces.

As for some immediate advice, I would really suggest stimulating the senses, particularly the eyes, ears, and nose.

Youtube has countless videos of Gregorian chant, and a lof of them are accompanied by beautiful images. I would suggest Tomas Luis de Victoria and any of his Missa (O Quam Gloriosum, O Magnum Mysterium, Ascendens Christus in Altum, or any motets), watch Traditional Latin Masses if for nothing else than to hear the chanting and see the images.

If you have statues or icons of our Lord and the Blessed Mother, look at them and meditate. Espcially if you have a Crucifix.

As for smell, I don’t know if you have any incense, but maybe light some and light a few candles in the house that have a smell that reminds you of holy things.

Lastly, try to pray a decade of the Rosary, and I would suggest meditating on the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery of the Carrying of the Cross as you pray for the virtue of Patience or perseverence.

You did a good thing by coming here ans asking for prayers!!! Now just get up and do!

Blessings!