I’m 19 years old please pray for me, I’m struggling with this sin

@chriswhitelaw3126

Жыл бұрын

No, Raymond, you aren’t. What you’re struggling with is church dogma. Ask any psychiatrist you like about masturbation. They will tell you it’s healthy. In fact the lack of it is often an indicator of psychosis. You are a healthy young man, created in God’s image. Rejoice and be glad.

@JB-qe5eb

Жыл бұрын

Keep trying. Go to confession weekly.

@perodudla4451

Жыл бұрын

HELICOPTER, HELICOPTER

@MARKPLAYSMYSIC

Жыл бұрын

I am praying for you my brother, god bless you.

@patrickwilliams7582

Жыл бұрын

I'm praying for you brother. Notice that this "Priest" is not consoling his people who need him in his comment section. Instead he's busy arguing with people who don't validate his ego.

I had always avoided Catholicism growing up because my family was very anti Catholic. Seeing you and Father Patrick on Upon Friar Review, and then you here on Breaking in the Habit started chipping away at those unfounded prejudices. That finally broke a dam here a few months ago and now I am deep into studying and am going to Mass, and preparing for Confirmation into the Catholic Faith hopefully by the end of Fall. I just wanted to say thank you for being such a genuine and welcoming figure into this rich life of Faith. God Bless you!

@Baplopird

Жыл бұрын

Welcome.

@horonin

Жыл бұрын

@@Baplopird Thank you! I really have felt the welcome so far.

@LexTan

Жыл бұрын

I tear up when I read sharings like yours, Caleb. May God continue to bless you on your journey.

@dmgiova3788

Жыл бұрын

Ditto on the welcome, Caleb!

@horonin

Жыл бұрын

@@LexTan Thank you so much. I've been tearing up quit a bit myself as I have been going through this process.

I'm a woman and I've struggled with these sins since I was 12. As a 28 year old, I go to confession regularly (at least once a month and in the past month or so I've been going once a week), and I'm working on praying and improving. I want to let sexual sin go hopefully completely and cling to God alone. Please keep me in your prayers ❤

@TruthLivesNow

7 ай бұрын

I am an older guy, and a Protestant. My advice would be the next time you go to confession ask your Priest it he would please pray for you for deliverance. Ephesians 6:12.

@Yourmomlol957

7 ай бұрын

I also used to struggle with this and still do, but something that really helped make it easier was watching videos and reading about Theology of The Body which is a work of Saint Pope John Paul the second. There's a really good youtube channel called Theology of the Body Institute which has many videos on this topic. Everytime I feel lust I watch a video of theirs and it has greatly improved my habits

@harlow743

6 ай бұрын

You are being ruled by GUILT

@MartinWinter99

6 ай бұрын

Female protestant here: I pray that you can make peace with a normal need of your body; from a medical point of view, the church is simply in the wrong here. That act has real health benefits for both men and women. Much of this prohibition seems to stem from viewing marriage as a sacrament, for which the biblical basis is a bit doubtful to us (if you don't TREAT a marriage like a sacrament, it's not going to work out, but that is a different story). I would stay away from porn movies, though, those are a very real ethical problem of their own.

@MinstrelTwinkletoes

6 ай бұрын

Go to a daily mass (This will force you to be mindful of staying in a state of grace, and you will be encountering Christ daily who can fuel you and aid you with sanctifying grace.) Pray the angelus and rosary daily (The evil one hates The Blessed Mother.) Be in a prayerful state constantly (This may take practice but is achievable. Don't aim for active vocal prayer, but rather a mind and heart which is constantly turned to the Father as you go about your day.) Remember: When you're praying, you're not sinning. Say night prayers (Worship Him, thank Him, say an act of contrition, ask Him to protect you as you sleep, and worship Him again.) Say morning prayers (The same as night but you can probably drop the act of contrition) You are trying to break sixteen years of habit and addiction. The habit must be replaced with something or something else will replace the void so replace it with prayer. Pray constantly in the quiet of your heart, seeking to ever unite more and more of yourself with God. I will ask the Holy Souls to intercede for you.

i’ve struggled with this for almost my whole life. this is my worst addiction by far that i’ve been fighting hard to defeat ever since i’ve reverted back to the faith. with God’s help i will overcome this. please pray for me everyone.

@tancredk01

Жыл бұрын

I feel for you, it is a terrible addiction. Having grown up non-catholic with a heavy emphasis on non-religious I find myself trying to break a habit of 40+ years. I have to say that it is as difficult as quitting smoking. With many of the same side effects, to include sleeplessness, increased stress and (the biggest understatement of them all) irritability. Having converted this year it is a constant struggle. Sure when you quit smoking you can tell people and they will support you and even people at work will forgive your irritability, but masturbation... who can you tell other than your priest? You fight this demon with only you and the Lord, and it is entirely up to you to provide the courage. It is tough my friend, but you aren't alone. It just feels like it.

@juliusrendon5936

Жыл бұрын

Pray the Holy Rosary it really helps me I'm clean 1month

@amokay746

Жыл бұрын

@@tancredk01 So Spot on!! Well done in all the work you have done so far. Pray for you!

@DIGardening

4 ай бұрын

As with any addiction, from time to time you may succumb. At those times, remember how long and how often you succeeded in resistance. If at one point you were engaging daily and now you went a week, that is a win. Now try for 2 weeks or longer.

@wiccanwarrior9

3 ай бұрын

I do hope you're joking?....Nothing sinful at all. Just more bs from the book of factless fiction....

If anyone struggles with this, pray the Rosary everyday and have a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.

It's been my experience that these sins are often the product of loneliness, accompanied by a sense that one will never find someone who'll love them the way they need to be loved. With broken relationships all around and it being so hard to even meet a potential partner these days, the temptation to turn inward and deal with sexual needs in a solitary way is extremely strong.

@Hadrianus01

Жыл бұрын

Spot on!

@user-ye1se9qm8m

Жыл бұрын

This is me. The loneliness is just awful.

@ifeomaoluhara9421

Жыл бұрын

@SilviaG, you are right, we tend to turn to it because of loneliness. I would say in my opinion why I see masturbation as something not to be encouraged is because if we continue to indulge in it, at a point we become selfish and feel we are enough for ourselves...like we do not need someone else or be with someone else to gratify our sexual desires. In a way, it moves us towards being selfish and loving less. The sexual act/desire is to be shared with another and not enjoyed alone. That's my 2 cents to this.

@barbaracimini1447

Жыл бұрын

Very true!😢

@ondrej_IV.

Жыл бұрын

very sad but true

The Lord has blessed me with this video as I recently relapsed after abstaining for 7 months and I struggle going a few days without it. My main issue is that I forget the pain and guilt the next day and so my brain forgets it. I have to admit I’m not resisting as much as I should hence why it keeps happening but brothers and sisters please pray for me to continue the fight against this evil!

@Victor-ue1kw

Жыл бұрын

Go to confession!

@supergastonh

Жыл бұрын

The issue is that you bother because if the penalty of sin. But You don't analyse the motive behind the desire to masturbate

@dspencer1969

Жыл бұрын

We'll pray for each other then

@sylvestermerced3988

Жыл бұрын

Don’t forget the power of addiction. We can become addicted to pain and guilt.

@JB-qe5eb

Жыл бұрын

Don't give up.

I’ve struggled with this since I was a younger teen. Even if you are not a religious person, you can’t deny that it has bad effects on the body and mind. It’s not just the soul

@dewilew2137

Жыл бұрын

Pornography does, masturbation in itself, not so much. Pornography is a scourge. I don’t understand how anyone can view the violent exploitation and commodification of a woman’s body, and consider themselves a moral person.

@thomasdalton1508

Жыл бұрын

What bad effects do you think it has on the body and mind? People are free to believe whatever they like about the soul, if there is such a thing, but the evidence is very clear that biologically and psychologically, masturbation is a good thing. Like any good thing, it can be taken to excess, but in moderation it has numerous benefits.

@thomasdalton1508

Жыл бұрын

​@@dewilew2137 Most pornography is not violent. There may be criminal enterprises selling videos of violent sexual crimes to a niche market, but that is not the pornography the vast majority of people are consuming.

@AllhailTDLjimpic

Жыл бұрын

@@thomasdalton1508 Like what? The only thing its done for me is make me deppressed and tired. And it gave me a warped perception of women.

@kred792

Жыл бұрын

@@thomasdalton1508 There's sufficient evidence suggesting quite the opposite: That frequent pornography, masturbation and ejaculation (PME) has devastating neurological consequences. It re-wires the reward center of the brain in ways similar to heroin and cocaine. And this is being discussed in the scientific community, not just the faith community. I'd encourage you to look into this, if you're interested in the truth. I'd recommend @Psych2go who has some very informative unbiased videos on this very platform about this.

As usual, your clear and compassionate analysis of complex social issues is spot on. Well done Father Casey.

@TheDarkLink7

Жыл бұрын

This is why I like watching him. Of how clear compassionate and all he is.

@bellarue22

Жыл бұрын

Agreed… I can’t always make the time to watch videos on KZread but when I have time to spare this channel is my go to.

@bobboscarato1313

11 ай бұрын

I've heard priests say this is struggle youth deal with for some time but it is NOT a sin!

@Quizzical_nonsense

2 ай бұрын

I think clear and compassionate would have been verbatim reiterating the catechisms stance and not some personally invested video.

Thank you Father Casey. As someone who struggles with these sexual transgressions, it is difficult for me to resist the temptation to repeat these acts, and I fail constantly. Moreover, I have been guilty of perpetually finding excuses to trivialize my behavior. So it is sobering to hear the gravity of these sins as a reminder not to take them lightly. Your message, and the teaching of the Church, is definitely needed when the secular world is increasingly teaching people to embrace this as just a normal part of everyday life.

@patrickwilliams7582

Жыл бұрын

I'm praying for you brother. Notice that Father is too busy arguing in the comme to with anyone who doesn't validate his ego. Very telling.

@alphacause

Жыл бұрын

@@patrickwilliams7582 Thank you for the prayers brother. I appreciate it. I am not sure that you are being fair to Father Casey. He has to correct error as he sees it. I don't think that is a waste of time.

@patrickwilliams7582

Жыл бұрын

@Drake Santiago love and prayers for you and your struggles. He's not correcting error, he's pridefully arguing with people pointing out he's adding ambiguity to something that need no extra ambiguity. He seems to care more about internet clout than tending his flock. Go through the comments and see how many who desperately need guidance he ignores in order to stroke his own ego.

@jonathan4189

Жыл бұрын

I’m sorry you’re struggling with something you find difficult. I’m curious, though, why do you think masturbation is such a common act in the animal kingdom? Additionally, why do you think humans have such strong, continuous sexual desires, but are condemned to be punished for them? I’m not Christian but I view the Catholic obsession with universal human sexual characteristics to be like trying to brand defecation as immoral. In fact it makes way more sense to me for a religion to try to claim pooping is immoral, rather than an orgasm. (Though of course, neither makes sense to me.)

@cuongnguyenviet3417

Жыл бұрын

@@jonathan4189 Well, it depends on your belief. But I personally believe that it's wrong to have lustful desires (to anyone other than my spouse) even before I believe in Christ.

I am converting to catholism, in no small part to your videos. Thank you for your content.

@rebeccakhalil

Жыл бұрын

@@jediv9910Everyone is entitled to have an opinion and I respect your opinion but I would like to say that I believe you have not really understood the meaning behind many catholic practices. I suggest you discuss these dot points with a priest. I was in the same situation until I got an actual explanation. May God bless you🙏

@rebeccakhalil

Жыл бұрын

@memoriesofmercia3809 God Bless you🙏

@jediv9910

Жыл бұрын

@@rebeccakhalil *God's Word is not opinion roman ctist. Yours is opinion.* you said Everyone is entitled to have an opinion and I respect your opinion

@jediv9910

Жыл бұрын

@@rebeccakhalil *Of course i know. Bible says Roman Catholic ct is a false religion.* you said I believe you have not really understood the meaning behind many catholic practices.

@jediv9910

Жыл бұрын

@@rebeccakhalil *It is clear you are also deceived into this ct and you do not read the Bible. Bible says clergy priesthood was already obsolete. So where did Roman ct clergy priesthood came from? Lucy?* *Bible says clergy priesthood, altars and sacrifices were already obsolete. Heb 7,9,10. So why would there be a clergy priesthood in nt Church? nt Church of the Bible did not have clergy priesthood. So where did R Church m m priesthood come from? Lucy?* *Roman priesthood is illegitimate. Consequently all roman sacraments.* Heb 7:27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. Heb 9:12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Heb 10:10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Heb 10:11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. Heb 10:12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, Heb 10:18 Now where there is remission of these, there is *no longer an offering for sin* . you said I suggest you discuss these dot points with a priest.

I'm not a Catholic so my perspective on this is not quite the same, but I always appreciate your clear and concise explanation of Catholic thinking. I will also say that I agree 100% with you about the exploitative pornography industry.

@leonardobeneventi8836

Жыл бұрын

What is your perspective on this disgusting matter?

@communistpropagandachannel6787

7 ай бұрын

@@leonardobeneventi8836 They probably don't want to share that.

@jamescheddar4896

22 күн бұрын

@@leonardobeneventi8836 "this disgusting matter" that such vitriol is uncivilized.

I don't know if sharing my own experience would be of any help here: for sure, trying to brutally overcome the addiction to masturbation just doesn't work, like trying quitting decades of smoking or alcoholism overnight, and I repeatedly failed. Much more rewarding is to patiently and gradually learn how to master hormonal urges by first setting reasonable and achievable goals. And it works so much better when done within a spiritual frame. I myself started by "fasting" on Wednesdays and Fridays (and Sundays as a matter of respect for the holiness of God's day), gradually adding days when I felt comfortable, or even extending to whole weeks, then months. And one day, you suddenly figure out that, though you still desire masturbation, you actually no longer need it: you simply learned detachment. My last masturbation was before lent 2021, and I have been able to observe total continence till now. This does not make a saint of me, and I am definitely no superhero, but simply going to Church with less of a shame is now priceless to me.

If there is anyone feeling defeated and not very hopeful that they will ever beat their porn/masturbation addiction…trust me, it can and does happen! My husband was addicted to both from a very young age (8 years old). I on the other hand never struggled with either growing up thankfully but I was taught by my mother both were wrong so I always felt extremely against them. When I met my husband I had no idea of his addiction, I was extremely naive and didn’t realise a lot of men (and women) did this sort of thing. I stumbled across porn history on his phone early into our relationship, and was devastated! I didn’t handle it well and basically forbid him from looking at it (haha yea right, he just did it behind my back). Fast forward many years, my husband became a Christian to my delight (not catholic, that came later for both of us), and that’s when God started opening his eyes to his addiction (again, I had no idea). God broke his habit and he was finally able to be honest with me about how many times he did masturbate (multiple times a day) etc. When we both became Catholic that’s when God really sailed it home. He would pray a Hail Mary when he struggled with thoughts and he said Mother Mary and her purity helped him immensely. I started struggling with lust in my adulthood believe it or not. It wasn’t as strong a hold since it wasn’t a thing I’d been doing for years but I turned to Mother Mary too and it’s incredible how much she helps. Just say 10 Hail Marys when you’re minds going crazy and you are about to commit a lustful sin, and watch how fast those thoughts go! It’s extremely hard to have an erection or be turned on and stay that way whilst you’re praying. Hold on, it is so worth it. Even the way my husband said he started to see me when God broke that lust hold. He used to view me as an object (I didn’t know), and women in general. I saw the fruit when he started to see me as his beloved wife 🙏🏽❤

@MrAnomic

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for your witness. I'm sure it is blessing many who read it. And your advice in praying to our blessed Mother seeking help and inspiration is so spot on! You are truly blessed. Keep walking in Christ's Spirit! God Bless!

It's also a struggle for women - hope no one forgets this! I have the feeling that men are in the focus in this topic. Hope I will leave this behind me someday.

@MatrixRefugee

Жыл бұрын

Amen. I have a feeling that women struggle with this activity as much as men do, for different reasons.

@Green0lives

Жыл бұрын

Sis… we are in this together! Im struggling too 🥲.. let’s not forget that we should try our best to stay in God’s grace and He loves us unconditionally as long as we believe in his mercy and love! 🕊️

@elisabethrose3035

Жыл бұрын

I would totally look up Magdala Ministries they are working hard to change that narrative.

@alexanderangelo7284

Жыл бұрын

Historically speaking no one has ever cared about female masturbation. The reason people have cared about male masturbation is because of the false belief that males had finite seed.

@hermannrorschachder2.

Жыл бұрын

No one excludes women here, but it is a harder topic for men due to our sexual urge… But besides that, i hope you are getting better, just as i am, because i am struggling with this habit too…

It's a powerful addiction, that's for sure. I've been addicted for 14 years, since I was 12 years old. Now I'm 26 and I still didn't managed to kick off the habit. But I will not give up! I've been away from the church for more than a decade, but now I'm returning and with faith and the grace of God, I will kick this filthy habit off my life!

@truecatholic8692

9 ай бұрын

Praying for you!

I'm 14 years old and is struggling with this sin since i was 9. Please pray for me

@X.R1769

Ай бұрын

Lets pray for each other. I am honest I am also 14 and struggling

@X.R1769

Ай бұрын

I‘ll pray a rosary for you 🙏

@seongsikcho8395

25 күн бұрын

Dude me too, I’m 15. I’ll pray for you.

Thanks, one thing I'd like to add is that the consequences of sin are still present despite ones culpability. I can say from 15 years of being addicted to the junk starting when I was a young teenager, the consequences are severe from the people behind the camera to those consuming the end product. It is a grave evil that destroys everyone involved.

@jakubratajczak9269

Жыл бұрын

This is truly horrifying, when you think about it. I struggle to build anything with women, heck, even meeting one and getting to know her is a massive problem for me. My mind is still poisoned and filled with these horrible images. God help us all...

@Baplopird

Жыл бұрын

@@jakubratajczak9269 It gets easier over time. Our brains have an extraordinary ability to forget. Hang on!

@MartinWinter99

6 ай бұрын

the porn industry and addiction are a different kettle of fish. But the Church even sees occasional masturbation as a sin instead of a part of a "balanced diet".

I feel like nowadays any argument about the negative effects of masturbation are kind of silenced by people saying things like "you're just old-fashioned". Girl you have no idea how much this addiction gets in the way of literally everything 😭

@MartinWinter99

6 ай бұрын

addiction is one thing, regularly doing it is medically beneficial.

This is very interesting and I think even non-Catholics can be on board with the idea of not participating in an exploitative and harmful industry.

@jimnewl

Жыл бұрын

No one is going to stop masturbating because the porn industry is exploitative and harmful. They may stop masturbating to porn, but the root disorder remains.

@br.m

Жыл бұрын

What about cartoon porn?

@MrAnomic

8 ай бұрын

@@br.m You are being misled by a common tactic of demonic influences to try to confuse the disordered sexual act with the object of desire of that act. As if the two are distinct from one another. Many who are confused about this sin will try to justify the act because there is no real life object of desire for the act. But this is to miss the point of what makes masturbation a sin. That is, any use of the sexual act outside of procreation and intimate unity within sacramental marriage, is a sin. It doesn't matter whether the object of that desire is one's self gratification, another non-spousal person or a cartoon, it's still a sin. It also doesn't matter even if the act is done toward the desire of one's own sacramental spouse. If it denies its purpose of an openness to the possibility of procreation and the unity of the marital relation, it would also be a sin.

@2010hyundaielantra

Ай бұрын

@@br.m fine as long as it's used for reasons to prevent worse sins

Thank you Fr. Casey. I am a new Catholic, and your videos explain a lot.

Brave and articulate commentary on a topic with more layers than most Christians care to acknowledge. And kudos to you for addressing a subject that many avoid like the plague. God bless you.

Father, please pray for me, as of right now my application to the seminary is in the mail

Praise God for this! I've struggled with this sin ever since my teen years. I'm not addicted to pornography, but masturbation is another matter. God is helping me fight the tempation constantly and it's getting much better. I truly, truly understand why this is a grave matter. No wonder, it's called self-abuse, and it feels like that every time I'm losing control. Like I've been abused, used and hurt... by myself. There are times where I'm, shamefuly, deciding to do it anyway, fully concious and ignoring the Holy Spirit, but these are rare cases nowadays. I needed this video and this passage from the cathechism. It helps with my scrupulosity. I've been mislead in thinking I've sinned mortally before and it led me on a very dark path... I'm not looking for an excuse to do it and to diminish the problem, but I can be overly scrupulous at times, when it comes to every sin I commit. God help us all in our struggle!

@dianajanna7228

Жыл бұрын

❤

@CarlosGutierrez-vl7cm

Жыл бұрын

Best way to describe myself! I was mentioned about scrupulous behavior that also comes from the devil to puts us down and think that we will never be able to overcome this. When God knows the struggle and he wants us to come to him and get the strength from him to keep the battle!

I'm not even Catholic. But I am an almost 20-year-old Christian, who has been struggling with this for almost four years. Thank you, Father, for your advice.

Way to go Father. We need this type of courage. You are very appreciated among us in Ireland.

@wiccanwarrior9

3 ай бұрын

Land of the gullible lol...

Pornography is a scourge. I don’t understand how anyone can view the violent exploitation and commodification of a woman’s body, and consider themselves a moral person.

@youtubestudiosucks978

Жыл бұрын

You only watch women? It's 2023, you gotta watch everything now.

@dewilew2137

Жыл бұрын

@@youtubestudiosucks978 I’m not sure what that means, but no thanks. As a 30 year old woman, seeing people naked who are probably 18-21 years old makes me very uncomfortable. I don’t watch any porn, and I haven’t in years. I did when I was younger, before I took the time to consider the impact of viewership. Even if the actors were closer to my age, I’d still be supporting an exploitative, evil industry that warps men’s sexuality and perception of women, and contributes to sexual violence against women. I refuse.

@PerfectNormal

Жыл бұрын

Pray for humility.

@xavier01110

Жыл бұрын

You have a twisted view on morals and mankind if you believe one's interest or lack of interest in pornography should be a significant factor on whether he/she is moral. Porn is a bad habbit and nothing more.

@alonsoACR

11 ай бұрын

@@xavier01110 No one is truly 100% moral, but the act itself is still intrinsically and gravely immoral. It's good to preach humility, but please don't trivialize evil or immorality.

As someone who have 3 comorbid disorders, autism, ADHD, and OCD, this has been a kryptonite. Sadly, this is a major crux to scrupulosity and even fear of abusing the sacrament of reconciliation-which apparently is a thing. To say this is just one cross I bear is an understatement.

@sentjojo

Жыл бұрын

Remember that God fills you with grace through the sacraments. You are not struggling alone when you believe in God's grace, he is with you

@Nightman221k

Жыл бұрын

Comments like this make me feel less alone. I've dealt with scrupulosity from the time of my first reconciliation. I always feel like I'm not going to Heaven even when I'm trying my best. I have ADD and some OCD tendencies so it's never far from my mind especially when I fall short.

@marktapia8327

Жыл бұрын

@@sentjojo thank you. God bless

@xuzeh

Жыл бұрын

Hello, Mark. I am aware of how these conditions make us feel like they are a disorder, since the neurotypical world is so alien to us (for instance, normalizing lies). But they are not; they are a choice we made… Since you are talking about spiritual issues, let me humbly remind you the etymological meaning of religion: re ligare, re connect. To what? Source/God/Creator. However, no one and nothing can be disconnected from our source; indeed, we experience that for a reason, but there is no re connect - there is awaking. Human life on Earth is akin to a videogame where we must/need to totally believe we are the character. So, why did I state all that? As an attempt to show you that, as all else in life, religious behavior/experience is a choice; its root is a desire to fill ‘the void inside’, and religion is a tool for that. Emphasis on the word ‘tool’: tools have rules/instructions but, in themselves, they don’t act. Thus, religion is a spiritual tool, not a requirement, to understand the void. As a societal institution, it mirrors the norm. Sexuality is also a tool, most of our innate desires are; like programming. It is a clever way to ‘force’ us to look outside, to reach other selves - but most of us stop at this point, unwilling/unable to see that other selves are a mirror. Indeed, there is power, spiritual, magical power in sexuality; your intention is what defines the type of magic. Empower yourself at the expense of other (akin to vampires) or empower yourself and the other self in order to remember Source. This can also be done in masturbation - the intention is what matters. In regard to ‘sin’, there is no such thing. Don’t believe me, you’ll experience/know that for yourself. You can choose to serve yourself or serve others (and yourself) - using religious mythology, Lucifer is not ‘the lightbringer’ because he manifests light - he is named as such for, in manifesting what does not exist (darkness) he ‘helps’ us to consciously remember who/what we are. That being said, even ‘evil/darkness’ serves the light - which makes a lot of sense, since all that exists is a fractal of God/Source. Since you are in the spectrum, the probability that your ‘true self’/soul is on the path of light is extremely high. This is a path of integration; we do not purge or reject what ‘is not’ or what we dislike, we understand their place within us , recognize that as a valid choice but a choice that is not ours; this is what healing really is. Manipulating our ‘weenies’ , as silly as it sounds, is just an experience of God/Source. It is neutral, unless you give it a purpose on the terms above stated. Sorry about the long post; I did what I wish someone had done to me in the past. And since you are a friend whose consciousness is from another dimension (that is what autistics are), there is no infringement in a last suggestion: seek The Ra Material, aka The Law of One. כהת

@Baplopird

Жыл бұрын

Same.

Well said. Thank you for talking to a difficult situation for many with truth and love.

In the moment we turn Catholicism into a set of complicated rules, and above all, when we alienate people from the Eucharist, that's when we are failing as a church. Moving away from God, lacking mercy towards others, and lacking charity... those are true sins. But because of things like this, sins of purity, we push more people away from the church. What kind of church do we want, an empty one devoid of common sense or one filled with people where every minor aspect of our lives becomes a sin? How can it be a venial sin if you are under addiction and a mortal sin if you do it with full consciousness? If it were an addiction to alcohol, would you think the same? I mean, having a beer is not a sin, but getting drunk every day is. At what point do we consider all the studies that say frequent ejaculation reduces the risk of prostate cancer? When will we stop criminalizing normal sexual behaviors?

@Charles-jj2su

Жыл бұрын

Amen to all this

Dear Fr. Casey, I need this video so much, thank you & God bless you

Thanks for posting this. Not everyone is willing to address this topic, but you handled the subject well. I've been going through a faith transition (pegan to Christian) and find your videos very helpful.

I am glad you are telling us this. I need to reflect on this more. I am forever scared by the abuse that I suffered as a child. And yes I am getting professional help. It will take time to recover.

Thank you for this Fr.Casey, this is definitely needed for young people like me.

Thank you so much for your videos!! I was confirmed at Easter Vigil this year (2023) and your videos answer a lot of questions I have about my new faith. Blessings from North Carolina.

Thank you very much for discussing this most uncomfortable topic. I especially appreciate the discussion of the free will concern. It gives hope against what seems like an otherwise hopeless problem.

Converting to Catholicism tomorrow. Saint Augustine struggled with this same thing. Please pray for me.

@isaiah3872

Жыл бұрын

May God continue blessing you brother! Welcome home

@Cjnw

4 ай бұрын

I don't think I want to touch any of St Augustine's relics, now 😅

Yes it is. Confession heals and trying other methods to do something else like exercise. Praying for all those struggling with this, you're not alone🙏❤

Very good video Father, not a topic many would a broach so openly. I read this view of the church many years ago and really appreciate someone from the church talking openly on the subject. God bless.

I confessed today after 10 days from my last confession and in these days I didn't masturbate once, even if I used to do it everyday with p..n just a few months ago. God changed me. Tho I am scared cause O had a wet dream last night but the priest told me not to worry cause it's not a sin. God Bless you from Italy. Edit: it is going good as I don't feel the urge anymore since God has renewed me, tho I'm scared of becoming lukewarm

@Baplopird

Жыл бұрын

Not a sin, indeed. Do not be scared if it. It may happen, it may not. Even if it does, it doesn't have to mean an occasion for relapse, and it won't last forever.

@The-Beau-Ultimatum

Жыл бұрын

You can stop counting the days. When God has changed you, you are changed FOREVER. Counting signifies that you might 'come back' one day.

@Ocelot2009

Жыл бұрын

@@The-Beau-Ultimatum the fact is that, especially at my age (13yo) it's really, really difficult not to do it as u feel really turned on and you really feel the need to lust. But I promised to God I won't do it, I'm born again and now it's been 19 days clean. Everytime I'm tempted I ask God for help and I control myself. Now I also wanna become a better person and eliminate also the other sins. God bless you all!!

I started doing this in grade school. Didn't know what it was, just enjoyed it. My parents were not the kind of people I could talk to about this kind of thing and I had no friends or relatives to talk to about it. Just didn't see the need, plus I felt that that part of the body was off limits to talk about. I never knew the church considered it a mortal sin til I was first year college. Of course I was "hooked" by then, even though I had stopped doing it for over a year. But started again in a limited way and kept doing it regularly. For me it was a way of getting love. There was no real love in my home. My mom, when she noticed I was doing it told my dad he had to give me "the talk". he never did. I would go to confession almost every week. The priest would give me the same device, play cards or some simple nonsense like that. Finally he had enough and told me that better Catholics than I had left the church. Whatever that meant. Needless to say I never went to him again for confession. It doesn't help that I am gay either. I was married to a wonderful woman who knew I was, but we had a loving life together. We tried to have kids, but it didn't work out. She died many years ago. So, what am I supposed to do? I have done it a few times and finally came to conclusion that for me it is just not that grave a sin. I'm 78 now and alone, what's wrong with doing it once in a while? I haven't done it for some time, even though I still have those "impure" thoughts.

@Baplopird

Жыл бұрын

Still grave matter, Mr. Grainer. Now that you are of old age and may be nearer to your encounter with God than most, it isn't good for you to relapse into old vices. At your age, it is something to carry on with dignity. A matter of willpower, also. It's not too late for an last act of heroic resistance, I'd say.

@giovannimartini6405

Жыл бұрын

That priest is... Kinda weird. Giving up on you just for masturbation is not ok! I'm in my twenties and I used to be obsessed about this. The best piece of advice I got about it is most people will never abandon masturbation because the habit they got is too strong. That's the truth. Once you discover that, you know you won't be able, but you rely on God's grace and try. The habit has become much less frequent since I started trying. Other thing that helped me was indentifying what I'm trying to compensate: sometimes it's not just sexual desire, but loneliness, sadness or stress. I can compensate these feelings in other ways, by calling a friend or hugging someone. Playing cards sound weird but maybe this priest finds it useful lol

@Baplopird

Жыл бұрын

@@giovannimartini6405 Playing cards or reading a book, doing exercise, etc, which are the most common alternative the priests give, can just be reduced to take your mind out of it and put it to a goal that'll keep it busy, which helps.

@giovannimartini6405

Жыл бұрын

@@Baplopird Not trying to judge the priest, by the way. Just wanted to emphasize no one is beyond salvation, like the priest seemed to imply, and also say everyone is different and has his way of doing, even a priest can have a way to solve a sin that you don't find useful. The only wrong paths are obsession and "making a pact" to your vices.

@juliusrendon5936

Жыл бұрын

If you lack of love and you feel it try to change the habit instead of your schedule to masturbate replace it with praying the Holy Rosary or Watch Videos of the Saints. That will give you love I promise you

Thank you for teaching the truth with such clarity and charity!

Bless you, Father. Thank you for this

Masturbation is physiological in the human species. The problem is when it becomes compulsive. Not understanding this and guilt tripping especially young children and adults is I believe a cruel anti human act. We must accept the fact we are humans 100% and masturbation is one of the things we do. ❤️

@Gofaw

Ай бұрын

"sinning is okay because we do it alot or something" -you You're not very bright if you think this justifies anything. Repent

@cristianocastagno9680

Ай бұрын

@@Gofaw we are human and our sexuality is part of our being human. We can accept it and learn to live with it. There is nothing sinful in masturbation as long as it doesn’t become morbose or an obsession.

@Gofaw

Ай бұрын

@@cristianocastagno9680 the act of spilling our seed without procreating is morbose in itself. You don't determine what is right or wrong, stop trying to justify sin by making stuff up

@cristianocastagno9680

Ай бұрын

@@Gofaw actually neither do you, my friend. Do as you wish but don’t attempt to guilt trip others. 🙏

I haven’t watched p**n for years as a young man. It’s not just a sin, it makes men weak. It desensitises them, and means they have performance issues with real women.

"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. That which is hateful unto you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole of the Torah; the rest is commentary. Go forth and study." (Hillel) Sin is acting against the well-being of another. Causing a child to feel fear and guilt about masturbation is far more sinful than masturbation ever could be.

@joepugh678

Ай бұрын

I appreciate your honesty and I'm not sure I disagree. The impulse is so nearly universal and the Bible is quite oddly nearly silent on the matter.

Well done. Thank you!

I'm addicted and can't break free, even though sometimes I think I'm finally free, but no. I'm only able to contain the habit to not develop into fetishes. If someone struggles like me, keep it in control. Confession asap, stay humble, but not desperate, look people on the eyes when you talk, listen to them, know maybe they are also struggling with something. I've managed to cut many small bad habits that support porn and masturbation. Have good manners, avoid gluttony, be patient with people, forgive fast. And last but not least a very difficult one, have a focus in life, aside from God the number one focus, stop procastination, think what you have to do next and are you doing the right thing at a given moment, try to give the ultimate bad habit as little room as possible, although it might catch you unnoticed and it usually does, because you let the guard down, and most importantly don't lode faith, it doesn't mean you are less to God and have failed as a Christian, this is the devils accusations, after a grave sin for those who want to love God.

@achritam

Жыл бұрын

While admire each and every wise word you wrote, I feel like confession asap is somehow abusing the sacrament, 2 weeks in 2 weeks out kind of situation.... so you get to the stage where you like I'm gonna chill and relook into how to avoid a relapse , in short I'm tired of loosing control many a times , I'm concerned this is but a war that that has been and will be here till I don't know , it is a thorn that keeps piercing my soul

@caruya

Жыл бұрын

​@@achritam I don't think it's abusing the sacraments, God doesn't have an "economy", we can't "wear out" God's grace. I just try to keep it simple. If I made a grave sin, I need confession, even if it seems like a pattern. Complicating things leads to desperation. I don't think God plays with our salvation, the sacraments are the clear way to salvation, not how we feel. And to avoid the feeling of abusing Gods graces, it's important to just talk to God, This might be hard, but it's God who is control, not us using God as some tool.

@juliusrendon5936

Жыл бұрын

Pray the Holy Rosary everyday or do fasting for your penance

@tommytanumihardja9415

Жыл бұрын

Taking care of our body regularly, exercises, and enough sleep is also important

@paulbastier3773

Жыл бұрын

I had a male friend who used to go for long periods like 6 years (he was a young man at the time) and then in a moment of weakness as they say "had a fall from grace. Then he would remain chaste for another three or four years before another fall. I read something about this in a book by the late Cardinal Heenen who was my Bishop when I lived in Liverpool. He said something on the lines that no matter how tightly we keep the lid on the box of our carnal desires, sometimes it comes off. Following this I saw a programme on a seminary in the UK where the seminarians were being told to take measure of themselves before committing to a life of celibacies because it was not a natural state but a supernatural state, and not for everyone.- let him that can take it, take it.

Thank you for the video Father. I've wrestled with this question (and sin) for ages, so your video has given me much to think about. Various things I've read and different priests I've spoken to have given inconsistent advice. On the one hand, many have (correctly) pointed out that masturbation is seriously disordered and a grave sin, commission of which always requires one to go to Confession. One the other hand, some priests have encouraged me to not to stop receiving Holy Communion, and actually discouraged me from 'running to Confession' every time I fall. So it's fair to say that I'm quite confused. That said, it's a habitual sin (and addiction) that I've battled since I was very young (before I was a Christian), so I will try to cut myself some slack.

@dalidaregina

Жыл бұрын

Always stick to the catechism of the church. Some priests unfortunately die. Also, the gospel. If Jesus condemned lust, then it shouldn't be dealt as a "minor sin" or anything like that. Hope that helps you start to get stronger!

@truecatholic8692

9 ай бұрын

The answer it that is is a mortal sin. And if you are in mortal sin you should not receive communion until you've gone to confession. And feel free to go to confession as much as you want. These are the teachings of the Catholic Church.

@truecatholic8692

9 ай бұрын

Bless you and keep trying to follow God's will.

Thanks, as always, Fr. Casey.

Thank you Father Casey, these was important for me.

This is by far the most difficult addiction to deal with. At least with drug and alcohol addiction there’s groups, rehab, and access issues for substance abuse. Not only are we given the natural attraction in nature, now we have full access to it at anytime and just over indulge in self pleasure. It’s like shoving junk food down your throat but with your eyes.

@dalidaregina

Жыл бұрын

If you think about Jesus condemning lust (the mountain sermon) it always gives us hope that he will make us improve. He wouldn't say something that would be impossible to us, through grace. Also, there's no temptation you can't resist. Meditating on that really helps (with any sin, not just lust).

@MartinWinter99

6 ай бұрын

@@dalidaregina I just reread the sermon of the mount- concrete and ideated adultery is the theme here, not lust in itself.

@Onetruepossum

3 ай бұрын

Idk, alcohol withdrawals almost put me in the hospital

@bobjacobson858

4 күн бұрын

I think of it (without pornography or lustful thoughts) as being like a hunger that gets more intense over time. It's a natural drive that is difficult to handle "legitimately" without being married. (At my age, the likelihood of a getting married and having a sexual relationship is decreasing.)

This is spot on Fr.

I was born and raised Catholic. I went to a Catholic elementary and high school, and attended DePaul University in Chicago. With all of the challenges in the church - too many to list, why are we still talking about masturbation? Doesn’t this seem to be among the least important of questions in the early 21st century for the church with its own much more serious and in some cases vile problems as an institution? This is a real question.

Thank you for the sound guidance here.

I'm sick of falling into masturbation n porn again and again. I go without it fleeing for a while then fall again. Please pray for me. My name is ash. Please pray for me.

I am writing this as a testimony for those who are currently struggling with masturbation and/or pornography. About two weeks ago, I made a personal decision to return to the Church after a couple years of not attending. In addition to failing to observe the holy day of rest, I also struggled severely with both of the aforementioned sins during that time. On a Wednesday night, I humbly returned and decided to give a confession before Mass. I arrived rather early; however, as soon as I closed the door, I immediately felt as if I were carrying many heavy weights. As I knelt and began to offer my confession, the weight became greater with each instance of sin I named. Eventually, the weight became so great, that my breathing was severely hindered and I began to drip sweat profusely. After I concluded my my confession, the weight persisted as the priest began to speak. The Priest’s first words were “Welcome Home.” I was then reminded of the story of the Prodigal Son and given wisdom. As soon as the Priest prayed the prayer of absolution, I felt what I can only describe as a very “real and painful” ripping sensation from deep within my body….followed by an immediate feeling of happiness, grace and feeling lite as a feather. I’ve had a few weeks to process what actually happened in that moment. Even if it was a microcosm, I feel as if the Lord let me feel a seemingly minute fraction of what Jesus felt on the cross. The pain I experienced was very real in that moment and it is truly difficult to explain. I offer my personal testimony of the power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance as a witness to its power and to encourage others who may be in the same situation as I was. Do not fear confession or think that you are “beyond saving”; rather, the Lord is waiting for you and is always ready to welcome you back home. May the peace of the Lord be with all who reads this.

@brrrt12

Жыл бұрын

This was absolutely beautiful! Will use your story in my class as I'm teaching Basic Catholic Doctrine to teenage men who are struggling in going to confession. Thank you for sharing this. ❤

@ondrej_IV.

Жыл бұрын

thanks for the story i am strugling too with this sin pray for me

Wonderful video father. Among your top five in my opinion. Wonderful distinctions.

Good walkthrough of the subject, very thorough.

Praying the rosary as often as you can is the best cure for this! You can actually play the rosary in youtube while doing something as often as you can. Play Salve Regina chants can also help. Play them while taking shower, etc...

Danke. Thanks. That helped very well. I converted to catholisism this easter and am currently figthing with this sin, but sadly, I fall from time to time.

@BreakingInTheHabit

Жыл бұрын

Keep working at it. It took you a long time to develop this habit. It's not going to go away overnight.

You always deliver your messages with the utmost compassion. ❤ The nuance of Catholic church’s teachings are really drawing me in. May Our Lord bless you. ✝️

This video gives the most clear view of the topic I have seen, and gives a more holistic approach on how to turn away from the sin without despairing.

The key point is at the end: relax and trust in the mercy of God. Nearly everyone masturbates at different stages in life and the guilt and shame around it are largely unhealthy. Some theologians today would add to the criteria for "mortal sin" the active desire to turn against God; very few people who masturbate have set their face against God and goodness. I'm not saying there isn't a dimension of sin, but there's often more a dimension of weakness, addiction, stress, or immaturity. You certainly shouldn't stop going to Mass and communion because of masturbation. If you confess it to a priest and he asks for more details, report him.

Helly Fr Casey, thanks again for this video. Even catholicism isn't just all black and white ... it depends. And I think this might even sometimes apply to lying. As you like movies, have you seen "The Invention of Lying"? The moment when the protagonist first time speaks about "the man in the sky"?

An excellent video and very well presented . Clarified a lot for me to be in a position to help others . Grateful Grateful thanks . Every blessing to you .

He will not cast away those who seek comfort in him.

Waiting for this since 3 years ago.

GOD Bless people, especially teenagers/children who are exposed to these images, and know that the priest will be INCREDIBLY happy to see you in Confession ... and keep going back when you need to. ... Also, knowing this is very useful as one can be tempted to sin again if they believe they are in a state of mortal sin, but if that person realises that they are still in a state of grace, then they will be willing to try to the very end to prevent repeating that sin; thank you Fr. Casey.

Thank you so much. For so long, ive struggled with finding a proper answer and eventually giving in and trying to justify it. Now I can hold myself accountable to God and try to fight this addiction with the holy spirit..

Very well explained! Thank you Father

Ah, the universal Catholic response: "Yes, but actually no. It depends." Frustrating in a world so used to cut and dry answers, but the Catholic Church knows nuance is necessary. Thank you father Casey.

@lizbecker1677

Жыл бұрын

In that respect, being Catholic is a lot like working in Human Resources!

@truecatholic8692

9 ай бұрын

It absolutely is a mortal sin.

Brother just stopped dancing around it and took the bull by the horns. I appreciate it

Crying. Thank you 🙏

Finally. The episode I have been waiting for and Father Casey is just the person to do it.

This comment is me genuinely trying to wrap my head around these things out of desire to better understand, not argue: Most explanations I hear for why masturb/condoms/etc is wrong hinge on this notion that using/doing something for a "different" function than it's "intended" purpose is "obviously" bad. I've never been able to connect with that way of thinking. I grew up on MacGyver lol I'm certainly not declaring that the Church is wrong about it. I have far less wisdom and understanding of things. I'm just saying this *particular* rationale that keeps coming up doesn't make any sense to me, and I hope there's a better explanation out there. I sometimes wonder if we're in a period of reverse engineering rationales to validate rules built for previous understandings. There was a time when ppl thought the sperm contained an entire person in seed form, and so discarding it was like murder. These rules against "spilling the seed" would make a lot more sense then. Now that our grasp on science has updated, are we now just fishing for new kind of logic?

99% chance that the people in the Catholic church who originally wrote about masturbation being a grave sin did it quite often and were probably just projecting their own shame out into the world. It's something that happens quite often. It's truly unfortunate that there's still so much of this faith that centers around shame, guilt, and fear, because there are some very positive aspects to it as well and I certainly enjoy father Casey's explanations and informative videos. (saying this as a non-religious person).

@melanierabe8794

5 ай бұрын

Ypu being a non religious person thars why ypu don't understand and would say that also. You do not understand God

@tim4pele

5 ай бұрын

@@melanierabe8794 You don't "understand" it any better than I do, because your understanding is just following what a priest and book tells you.

Such a good video and sticks to the facts of the faith. And in such a relatable and clear way that avoids confusion. Thank you Fr Casey. From an OFS.

Needed to hear this

A humble heart and rosary with get you through it. I thought it was impossible but God is always reminding us that He can free us from any form of captivity.

I’ve struggled with addiction in this realm since I was a kid. Please pray for me so I can have deliverance from this.

@ondrej_IV.

Жыл бұрын

me too pray for me i will pray for you

Such a great video. This is probably the clearest video I have ever seen on the topic. You answered with such grace while not falling into either extreme. This is a sin people should feel strongly they can conquer through Christ. My parents never told me it was wrong when I grew up, and I was shocked to hear it was wrong when I returned to the Catholic Church on my own as a Soldier when I got older. I will make sure I lovingly guide my kids properly so the chances they fall into it habitually is minimized.

@MartinWinter99

6 ай бұрын

your parents did well keeping out of your private business. may God guide you right with your own kids.

"Freedom is never extinguished" is such a strong statement. It brings to my mind some saints who chose to die rather than to give into sin.

The timimg is impeccable, I relapsed into masturbation a month ago after 2 months of sobriety. This isn't talked about enough, especially for women and girls. The only resource I have found is Magdala Ministries. I really, really want to stop.

Who in the 'heck' is allowing their little children to use social media-unsupervised??? thereby aiding and abetting the chance the little ones should happen upon seeing such evil???!!! For shame! Thank you Fr Casey 🙏

@MissPopuri

Жыл бұрын

Kids were getting onto the Internet unsupervised during the age of Dial Up Internet. The only parents who would “monitor” their children so to speak are the ones who needed to make a call out for a food delivery.

I thought you stopped making videos. Glad to see you again! 😊

Excellent explanation!

Hello Father Casey, could you make a video on grief? It's such a hard topic to understand and discuss.

Never heard before such a concise explanation on this topic. Very helpful indeed. Thank you!

@dannydonnelly8198

Жыл бұрын

he is very good at saying you are sinning in a nice way lol

@alonsoACR

11 ай бұрын

@@dannydonnelly8198 Great, isn't it?

@truecatholic8692

11 ай бұрын

They pretty much just read the section out of the Catholic Catechism. Once you've read that, or listened to this video, you are aware that it is a mortal sin.

Thank you! I will still discerning this with my spiritual director. I have been always taught that the requirements for mortal sin is grave matter! No question on that, full knowledge, no question, but consent is always not well explained! Thank you again!

Thank you!

I managed to quit porn. I’m trying to quit masturbating. I’m finding it super difficult. I’m hoping being off of porn long enough will help rewire my brain to help make it easier.

@Baplopird

Жыл бұрын

It actually does. As with any addiction, you can't expect to just be «off the thing» overnight. It's a gradual process that entails relapsing many times until you manage to get a grip on yourself, a matter of trial and error and testing your adapting capabilities. In any case, your strategy is the best. It is best to focus on leaving pornography first before addressing masturbation, since the latter is somewhat autonomous and you can just mind a single problem at the time.

@rebeccakhalil

Жыл бұрын

Everytime I get tempted I say “Get away devil” and the temptation goes away. I then pray about it. It’s all in your head, if I did it you can do it! God bless you 🙏

@eightytwobucks623

Жыл бұрын

Go to confession. It’s the one thing I tried that set me free

Im 23 years old. I just had a confession a few hours ago, and confessed my sin on masturbation. It felt cathartic and the priest told me to redirect these energies to something more meaningful. The priest told me to not be idle to deviate my mind from even thinking of doing it.

Right on brother!

What a wonderful call to action!

In the Catholic scheme, in what ways can sexuality ever be expressed or practiced, physically or conceptually, outside of (specifically procreative) marital activity? This is the problem I have currently with the dogma. Sexuality seems like a significant part of individuals' personalities. God gave people a very strong sexual drive. The teaching is that masturbation is wrong independent of the stimulus or object of desire or frame of mind or intention. And sexual intercourse outside of marriage is prohibited as well. So there can never be any sexual release outside of marriage, which is also (rightly) an ultimate commitment that no one should make lightly? None of this makes sense to me. It seems too extreme and puritan, and like it regards the emotional, non-procreative aspects of sexuality as a totally fallen thing.

I am converting to Catholicism and was recently badly injured. I appreciate all your videos and they have given me some peace of mind as I heal up in the hospital. Would Appreciate all your prayers!

@ModernEphemera

Жыл бұрын

I’ll pray for you. Your self-identification as a “groyper” though… let’s just say, make sure you have a sincere relationship with Christ’s teachings.

@philiphoel4290

Жыл бұрын

Um sir, your screen name belies the veracity of your statements.

Good. Much better to see understanding and gentleness presented for timid souls. The real mortal sin comes in judging others as sinful and placing upon them uncaring and brutal sterness for any action. Good, to see you growing more like your seraphic father, St Francis. Good because gentleness, patience and merciful kindness reflect the person of Jesus himself. Well done, a logical, well balanced video.

As a girl, thank you for this Fr. Casey

I have a testimony on this topic I used to wonder if masturbation is a sin or not because it seemed a bot far fetched to me so I would ask God about it eventually one they answered when I was thinking on the topic and the holy spirit convicted me that it was it was a wrong it felt wrong to do and when asked why I was given imagery of a jigsaw puzzle piece and a peice was missing.