>>8209747Fellow Catholics
Do any of you here struggle with Lust/masturbation?
I just recently relapsed after about a month or so of not masturbating, having sexual urges/desires, fantasies etc. I’ve been going to mass every sunday (need to go to confession, though) and have been desiring to grow in the spiritual life.
That being said, i couldn’t help but feel a tension within, with regards to both the lack of my sexual desire for that period (e.g. wondering whether this was normal or a bestowal of grace) and whether or not this was perhaps some trick of the mind or devil. I’m aware that it is easy to become prideful or even conceited when you think or feel yourself to have learned to control your base passions-something not everyone can or is willing to do-but then i’m reminded of what paul said in his letter to the corinthians
“Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing securely should watch out so he doesn't fall.”
And i have fallen. I fell the following day to temptation after deciding the previous night to begin praying the holy rosary. Why is the assault of sexual urges and temptation so powerful that even in the midst of the act, you know that what you’re doing is not pleasing in the eyes of the lord yet you cannot help from continuing on? Does temptation suddenly assault you when you decide to increase in the spiritual life (e.g. begin praying more, etc.)?
Please pray for me and if any of you have any thoughts or advice, i would greatly appreciate it.
God bless...
