Catholics...help?

Question

I've regarded myself as really religious. I go to mass every Sunday (sometimes more), I pray multiple times a day, I know a lot about theology and Catholic teaching, and I really care about my faith. I've even thought about becoming a priest. Recently, however, it seems I've been neglecting my faith. What I mean is that even though I'm doing the same things I've always done, I'm getting less and less out of it all. All I'm getting it seems is more and more temptation and hardship, more than I think I can handle. I've started masturbating again, even though I gave it up when it began to "spiritually hurt" me (don't know how else to describe it). I also don't necessarily feel guilty about masturbating; I just feel sad that I'm doing it again. Any help? I really, REALLY want to stick with the faith, but I'm at crossroads right now. I feel like whatever I do right now will either confirm my faith or help me lose it. Any confidence, support, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Anything negative or contrary to my beliefs/question will be disregarded.

Answer 1

Well, whenever the tables turn on you, it is always best to turn to God. There will always be bumps in the road, no matter where your life is headed, just remember why you are catholic. To love and worship God and Jesus, our lord and savior. Want tips on how to confirm your faith, take a walk into the woods (I'm completely serious). It clears your head and skipping stones into the lake reminds you of your purpose (everyone has one btw) and the chirping of birds reminds you of your place both in human history and in God's history. Take a deep breath, pray a bit, and live life the way you feel would please God the most. You know he's out there, looking out for you (fantastic start btw), now you just need to let God transform you into the best version of yourself. With God, ANYTHING is possible! Many blessings, my friend in faith! -Future Veterinarian

Answer 2

Do you go to Confession on a regular basis? I would recommend going to Confession and seeing if that can help you. Whenever I go to Confession I come out and I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders; I respond better to temptation and tempting situations. Try going to Confession regularly. Also, whenever you get an urge to masturbate, pray a few Hail Mary's or even an entire rosary. Whenever I get an urge to commit a sexual sin I find that praying the rosary can really help clear my mind.



Also as you get older and there are more worldly things to worry about- things like financial troubles, trouble at work or in school, etc. -it will be harder to just let go of all your troubles and trust in God. I recommend going to Adoration. An hour in silence in complete worship of God can do amazing things. Just go and try to think about anything; just clear your mind and lay all your troubles on God and listen for His voice. If you can't go to Adoration then just take some time out of your day to sit in silence for a while and just don't even pray or anything; just empty your mind and all your worries and wait for God to speak to you.



Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Go to confession. The priest will tell you that spiritual depression or spiritual dryness or acedia as you experience might not even be a sin.



Losing your faith because of spiritual dryness is like abandoning your car because you ran out of gas. Don't be stupid. Wait for the tow truck or walk to the gas station. Don't abandon the car.



And stop checking the oil, you are out of gas, not low on oil. Don't worry about masturbation when your faith is at stake.

Answer 4

I live in a monastery. This help a lot, because we are always busy engaged in activities meant for serving God. So we are very carefully no to associate with the opposite sex, no watching movies, no magazines, no visiting public places like movie theaters, restaurants, etc. and we always talking and praying about God, reading together, eating together, going out together. So, association is very important, one can refraining and even forget about sex and masturbation. Here we have 20 or more years without indulging in sex and masturbation, because we are always together day and night, we don't have "privacy" in order to contemplate in our mind those kinds of though of sex.

So, you just be careful what you see, hear, talk, read, and do. Make sure that everything you do, eat, drink, hear, talk, think, etc, is for the pleasure of God, no for your pleasure. When you begin to think in yourself, in your selfish pleasure, then you fall down in this problems.



I made anonymous because I don't want publicity myself.

Answer 5

I suggest praying the Holy Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament. That helps renew the faith.



If possible, maybe even go on a religious pilgrimage.

Answer 6

Anything negative or contrary to my beliefs/question will be disregarded.



"I know EXACTLY what I wanna hear from y'all".



Pointless me answering then, isn't it?

Answer 7

you are human , why not go to confession every so often, increase your prayer .life