I have often hammered home that Sexual Addiction is a selfish act. I doubt that statement causes anyone any surprise but I wonder whether we recognise just how selfish it is? There have been a number of times in my life where I have been astounded by the incredible response of fellow Catholics during ‘times of need’. We all know what that means and we have all heard or seen those appeals for prayer when someone is in need. The wonderful out-pouring of support is true charity and most definitely of benefit…though often, we may not see how.
I don’t doubt that anyone reading this post will be able to recount the occasions they have prayed for others or indeed, their own needs. Our Rosary Crusade is just one example of how this act of charity is embraced by the Church Militant we represent. So how would you feel if the moment you need prayers most – the moment when a spouse or child is critically ill – you are in a state of mortal sin…
I know of several occasions when one (or more) of our members have faced that very moment. I have faced that moment and it is not a pleasant feeling. Looking down at your child or wife and seeing them in need and knowing that though you can comfort…you cannot support them spiritually.
Our prayers do matter and they do have power!!
None of us deliberately set out to find ourselves in this position. Unfortunately, the power of sexual addiction blinds us and leads ut to become complacent / careless. We convince ourselves that we are fighting hard but we fail to recognise that our failures may one day affect somebody we love. Somebody who truly needs our prayers.
I am not saying that our lack of success over addiction is directly responsible for this situation. We cannot ever slip into the impaired thought that our own personal sins are responsible for the misfortunes of others – that is never the case. However, do you really want to be looking into the eyes of an ill (or dying) ‘loved one’ knowing that your prayers and well meant devotions are marred by your current spiritual state? Could you truly kneel at someones bedside whilst they are receiving viaticum knowng you are a vessel of impurity and sin. A tough question to ask – but one you MUST.
Is pornography SO IMPORTANT that you are willing to risk being of little spiritual use to someone who needs your prayers – to someone you love…
Think about it the next time you consider committing an impure act – look into the eyes of someone you love and ask yourself,
“Just how selfish am I?”
Yours in Jesus, Mary and Joseph
SA James
