Q. Although my faith is strong, I feelconstant temptation to commit impure acts. I strongly desire to give into these temptations, and often do. Please pray that I can be relieved of these temptations for fear I will again offend the All Mighty God. Thank you....E.S.
R. First, let me assure you of our prayers to overcome this. You would do well to read the online catechism on the sixth commandment at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm This will help you ground yourself in the true meaning of human sexuality and the false illusionary world of lust. You may draw courage over the fact that many people have gone through the same trials as you and have overcome them. Lust must be conquered, whether one is single or married. I received an e-mail from a man who has relations with his wife every day and yet still has trouble with self-abuse. Lack of mastery over lust even in marriage leads to treating one's wife as an object instead of a person, contraception, divorce, adultery rape and murder to name a few fruits of this vice. It will never be satisfied and will control your life. The longer you resist the less the temptation. Usually after two weeks to a month the temptation will lessen. Here are some pointers from people who have overcome this habit or temptation both on a spiritual and natural dimension. On the spiritual realm, receiving Sacramental Confession as soon as possible after falling to this sin. One of the graces of this Sacrament is the ability to overcome sin. The longer you wait to confess it the more this sin will take hold of you. Remember also that God will forgive you as many times as you fall. Never ever despair of His Mercy. Frequent reception of Holy Communion is another means of combating this sin. Spending time in Eucharistic Adoration is another. Praying the Holy Rosary daily is another help to purity. Fasting once a week is another help to getting control back over the senses. Avoiding near occassions of this sin in thought and deed is another great help. When these thoughts come to mind change the subject. Do something. Read something. Go out among people. Distract yourself from it. Praying the Fifteen prayers of St. Bridget of Sweden daily is another great help. You can find them here http://www.monksofadoration.org/bridget.html Always call on the Holy Name of Jesus to help you and despise the control this vice has over you. With lust, one loses freedom as Jesus said. Sin is slavery. You are not in control. Your passions and/or the devil is in control. Take control back! On the physical level the old cold shower has been known to work wonders. If the physical addiction is very strong you may consider making the physical arousal a painful situation instead by a well placed blow - another arousal damper. Wrapping the arousal area with large bandaids gives you one more level of resistance and dampens arousals, as some have experienced. Idleness is the devils playground. Keep busy. Getting enough physical exercise and sleep help ward off these temptations. Caffeine and other stimulants may contribute to arousal. Sometimes, impure acts are a way of dealing with other problems like anger, frustration, etc. Just like some people go for a drink when problems arise others turn to impurity as a way of getting a momentary "high." See if such a pattern is associated with your temptations.
Need advice, encouragement or have something to share? E-mail me or see this message board for porno addiction or any other type of sexual addiction http://www.saint-mike.org/Interactive/index.html