Lenten Improvements - Fighting Temptations Cont.

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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.

Gaining Strength

"Never think that something is wrong with you, that you mare not normal because you are tempted. God may permit you to be tempted as a result of sins committed in the past or to keep you humble and purify you through battle. 'A soul that is tempted makes firmer resolutions, prays more ardently, has recourse to heroic measures, and thus gross stronger almost without noticing it.'"

Heavenly Help

"When you are tempted, use a supernatural and then a natural means. Supernatural means above nature, above yourself. Turn to God, to the Blessed Mother, your Guardian Angel or the Saints for help. Say a short prayer such as the Hail Mary, or 'Mary, most pure, please help me.' One young man said he always carries a small crucifix in one of his pockets. If he is by himself or out on a date or any place and is tempted, he just touches, the crucifix and the thought of how much Christ had to suffer for sin helps him to fight the temptation immediately. A girl working in an office mentioned that if someone uses foul language or tells a dirty joke she traces the Sign of the Cross on the floor with her foot and asks Christ to help her. Such means are supernatural."

Earthly Aid
Now the natural means. Keep busy. Try to turn your mind to something that absorbs your attention. Think of a sports even, some place you visited, a new outfit you want. Turn on the radio or television or call someone on the phone if the hour is proper. Multiply two numbers mentally: twenty-nine times thirty-seven. Imagine what you would do if the place caught on fire. In general avoid idleness and empty daydreaming. Distrust yours elf and trust God. Fight every temptation immediately. If you dally around with a temptation with you will become its victim.