I think I'm getting scrupulous again. What do I do?

Bernadette · May 08, 2023, 06:25:11 AM

I don't have access to the same confessor all the time. So do I just tell whoever I'm confessing to that I'm struggling with this?

james03 · May 08, 2023, 10:42:14 AM

1. Look upon a crucifix once per day. Say: "He loved me so much He shed every drop of His Most Precious Blood for love of me." Don't add to the prayer, as scrupulous people tend to do.

2. Reread the 10 commandments of scruples and follow the advice obediently. Who are you going to trust, your own opinion, which you admit is clouded with scruples, or holy priests who are working to help people with scruples? Be humble and obey what they say to do.

Scruples is a demonic attack with the ultimate goal of separating you from the sacraments. God does not set traps to trick you, God makes excuses to save you.

james03 · May 08, 2023, 10:44:07 AM

https://fathersofmercy.com/ten-commandments-for-those-who-struggle-with-scrupulosity/

Bernadette · May 08, 2023, 11:27:31 AM

Thanks so much, James. Hopefully I can nip this in the bud. When I was reverting in college, I made a point of praying for three things: devotion to the Blessed Virgin, devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and a delicate conscience. I've noticed that the devil seems particularly drawn to messing with me in these last two areas.

drummerboy · May 09, 2023, 07:31:09 AM

As a man I probably deal with scrupulously different than a woman, but I had too had a horrible scrupulous spell when I was 16-17. It took me years to recover, and in some ways I still am. My advice though is to be ruthless with scruples, they'll take over your soul like a parasite if you give them an inch. From all your posts you seem an intelligent, well-formed Catholic, you know what's right. If you suspect something is a scruple it most likely is, and act contrary. Also ask yourself if other well-formed Catholics worry about this? If you find out later it was sinful (and how often does that really happen in this scenario....?) God knows what you're going through and that you seek to do His will. An act of contrition at night covers all this anyway. And ignore the screaming and kicking of the scruples if they pop up again, they'll go away the less attention they're given. "Peace be with you, My peace I give you" as Our Savior said.

Bernadette · May 09, 2023, 04:27:04 PM

Quote from: james03 on May 08, 2023, 10:42:14 AMScruples is a demonic attack with the ultimate goal of separating you from the sacraments. God does not set traps to trick you, God makes excuses to save you.

So should I only abstain from Communion if I'm absolutely sure I'm in a state of mortal sin?

drummerboy · May 09, 2023, 08:14:30 PM

Quote from: Bernadette on May 09, 2023, 04:27:04 PM
Quote from: james03 on May 08, 2023, 10:42:14 AMScruples is a demonic attack with the ultimate goal of separating you from the sacraments. God does not set traps to trick you, God makes excuses to save you.
So should I only abstain from Communion if I'm absolutely sure I'm in a state of mortal sin?

Yes. And remember when those scruples come up, unless you at some point said to yourself "yes, I will commit such and such mortal sin," you did not commit a mortal sin. You don't accidentally commit mortal sin, it's not even in the definition.