The following is taken from Improve:Now is the Acceptable Time! distributed by the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers.
Note: Fr. Lester has kindly permitted me to use these excerpts daily. Please click HERE to learn more about the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers and to consider joining them as a member.
"What is a person supposed to do when improper thoughts and desires crowd into the mind and imagination? First, Let's make a distinction. Temptation is not sin. For instance, if you are reading and come across a 'dirty' picture, does that mean that you are impure? Not at all. But suppose you purposely keep going back to look at that picture, build up a series of thoughts and desires around it and continue to do so knowing full well that your thoughts and desires are wrong, then you have not merely been tempted. You have given in to the temptation."
God's Grace
"Saint Augustine put it this way: 'I cannot keep the birds from flying over my head but I can keep them from making a nest in my hair." So, thoughts that are vile will come, but you need not make them a part of yourself. With the grace of God you can resist them and get rid of them."
That's a very good clear explanation. I've known people who think every temptation is a sin, and it's hard to explain sometimes. Thank you for obtaining the permission and sharing these thoughts with us each day.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are enjoying this psots Margaret Mary. Thank you for commenting.
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