I guess that's true, I need to trust in Jesus and Mary more, and not be too ashamed to trust in their mercy and forgiveness. Though my sins may cause Our Lady to shed an ocean of tears, that ocean will never extinguish the flames of Her Immaculate Heart.
Yet, there comes a time when you have to perpetually reject whatever temptation and the serious sins you keep saying you fall to. The grace is there and the rosary and chaplet of divine mercy are two of the strongest prayers, next to the sacraments, but if the intent is not firm to give up deadly sins, then one is subject to keep falling. You and no else are in control of your choices. We/others can pray, but you have to leave deadly sin where it belongs and that is with the devil. Your not the first to struggle with sin and most of us had to 'man up' and slap it down too.
There was no confession available this day either. I’m trying to trust God but tonight, things are happening that are starting to make me feel frustrated. What if can’t make it to confession by Saturday, and I end up missing my First Saturday Devotion?
Proverbs 24 [16] For a just man shall fall seven times and shall rise again: but the wicked shall fall down into evil. [17] When thy enemy shall fall, be not glad, and in his ruin let not thy heart rejoice: [18] Lest the Lord see, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. [19] Contend not with the wicked, nor seek to be like the ungodly: [20] For evil men have no hope of things to come, and the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Just keep fighting the good fight RW. Try not to let your heart be heavy over these things but rejoice and give thanks that God has seen fit to give you a repentant heart seeking to continue in the good. If you can not make it to confession before the weekend offer it up in an act of contrition as best as you are able in prayer to the Father. Remember, there have been many men and women who suffered greatly in times of persecution who had no Priests available to hear their confessions. God is Merciful.
Thanks everyone, I finally made it to confession while the site was down, and improved dramatically. I'm now really talking to Our Lady and treating Her like my Mother. I'm also working hard on self-sacrificial love and martyr-like zeal, and offering up the little works and things in my daily life. Please pray that these efforts and improvements continue, here's beautiful picture of Our Lady, Mother of God I found while the site was down:
Is all true, Fatima... But its also true that we are to keep getting back-up each and every time we fall. Just like Our Saviour did whence carrying the cross...
I think the last thing you say here is where it is at...... we must carry our cross and not throw it down because its too difficult. Grace is sufficient, but the question is do we have the will to give up the pleasures and carry the cross. To flat out stop compromising with sin and the devil and say to him "Not today! IMO, we don't have time to play games with our journey any longer. We had better take the right path now when we have the chance, because soon our cross will come heavier and heavier with things outside of our control.
I missed these old debabates, whence the site was down... You're right of course Fatima, i suppose i was thinking more about the youth and young people generally. They succumb to and fall to the same sins often (many adults do also, but shouldn't). I suppose too, i was thinking that Our Lords example of falling often, and getting up each and every time is particularly appropriate for them, the youth. They are under such attack. But yes, by a certain age we should be able to overcome such temptations. The worry, as you rightly highlight, is that time is short. Somethings-a-coming! And the youth must shape-up; or be caught-out. I dont believe they'll get the time we got. As i say, somethings on the horizon. I can almost touch it. I know how weird that sounds believe me..
My son, Fr. Patrick, came up for a 5-day visit. It was special to have him celebrate Holy Mass each of those days. I assisted him, of course, when he celebrated the weekend Holy Masses at my parish! I have recently read that pornography is a scourge among youth because of accessibility via i phones. He shocked me though when he stated that many of the youth who come to him for confession are addicted. The fact that addiction reduces culpability helps, but it is an upward battle. He is at a parish outside Atlanta that has 3000 families. Fr. Patrick said Mat Fradd has endorsed a program which helps. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
When I was in my early teens I took advantage of some vulgar Playboy magazines on a few occasions, knowing full well it was against the sixth commandment. Full culpability. In today's world the more hideous forms of pornography on iphones are powerful and readily available. Studies of modern day pornography show that it creates synapses which rewire the brain and after a handful number of exposures possess addictive qualities far more difficult to uproot. One could argue full culpability for the first few times, but reduced culpability thereafter. It is just as evil and worthy of confession, but... Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner!
Fatima, Another form of reduced culpability is lack of knowledge. A poorly catechized teenager who marries and then is told in the confessional that contraceptives are permissible, objectively commits mortal sin with her husband, but her culpability is reduced due to the heretical advise of her confessor. So reduced culpability diminishes the effect on one's soul but does not diminish the evil or consequences of the sin. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner!
I agree ignorance reduces culpability, but not necessarily addiction. Such a dark world we live in when sin is flaunted daily in magazines, tv, beaches, cell phone etc.... how does anyone remain chase in ones state of life without deep faith?
