Author Topic: Using the Sacrament of Confession to overcome sin (Read 513 times)

Beatifico · « **on:** June 17, 2013, 12:10:48 AM »

I'm thinking of the various things that are often called "addictions' in our modern world, but are out of control sin. Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Sloth (laziness), Covetousness (buying out of control). I have a teen who is dealing with compulsive overeating, and is away from the Church. I believe that if they dealt with the sin they would receive power to get the eating under control. I think this would apply to a lot of things, and was wondering if any of you could offer some insight into this.

Rosarium · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2013, 01:15:36 AM »

First, the grace of God is necessary and most efficacious, and those who seek it will receive it. So yes, the sacraments of the Church are the primary cure for sin.

Many people have "addictions", severely compulsive habits, which are sinful, and a cause of concern for many who become Faithful.

Prayer and the Sacraments are the necessarily things to use, after that, one can work with psychological and physical means. It is easy to work solely with the material means, and cover up the underlying disorder, and even if the behaviour is reformed, one is still living in the flesh without prayer and the sacraments.

Neil Obstat · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2013, 02:45:58 AM »

.

This is a very important topic. And so easily overlooked.

I have known someone who was wont to go to Confession and then,
no sooner he came out of the confessional, would go outside the church
and within an hour or two would commit the same sin he had just
confessed. And he was also in the habit of trying to encourage others
in his acquaintance to do likewise.

His approach to life was, you get a problem by doing something, so
then you go to a 'professional' and get the magic fix to solve the
problem, so you can then go right back to the behavior that got you
into the trouble the first time, and so, go back to the 'professional' and
get the magic fix again. So it shouldn't be surprising that's the way
he thought of Confession: a magic 'fix', as if it were like treatment
for the clap, or computer spyware from pornography sites, or getting
a lawyer to get you off a DUI -- then 'celebrate' by drinking and
driving!

After over two years of trying to help him I had to finally cut off ties
because he refused to be helped. His attachment to his sin was more
important to him than anything else, apparently. I had tried to explain
to him that he could not receive any plenary indulgences so long as
he retains attachment to his sin, and he said he didn't believe that, even
though he was sitting right there next to me when our priest said this
in a sermon, and later, I asked the priest about this in my friend's
presence. He still refused to believe it. That's why I had to stop
answering his phone calls or returning his messages.

poche · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2013, 05:21:34 AM »

Sometimees it's catch 22. Somebody has an addiction to something that is sinful. What to do? If we give up we are lost to the flames of Hell. Remember we have one life to live on this earth. Surrender to sin is not an option. We must fight. We must do our best. We must never give up. And if when we fall into sin, go to confession. Remember the watchword, Death before Sin!!!

Charlemagne · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2013, 08:02:02 PM »

I must be in the Twilight Zone: I just gave poche a thumbs-up!