Almost everyone who works to leave pornography behind experiences setbacks. A relapse can bring a flood of discouragement: "I will never change", "God must be tired of me", "Why even try." This lesson is about what the Church actually offers in those moments, and how to keep walking.
The sacrament made for this
The Catechism calls the sacrament of penance "the second plank of salvation after the shipwreck which is the loss of grace" (CCC 1446). Christ instituted it precisely for members of His Church who fall after baptism. It is not a reward for the strong. It is a remedy for the weak, and all of us are weak.
In confession, sin is named honestly, Christ forgives through the priest, and grace is given to help resist sin in the future. The Church warmly recommends frequent confession, even of less serious sins, as a help in forming conscience and growing in virtue (CCC 1458).
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Sources
- CCC 1446 Catechism of the Catholic Church, The sacrament of penance
- CCC 1458 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Confession of venial sins
- CCC 1857-1859 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Conditions for mortal sin
- CCC 1735 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Imputability and responsibility
- CCC 2352 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Masturbation and mitigating factors
- Proverbs 24:16 Book of Proverbs