I’m finishing my scrutiny series examining the seven deadly sins: “PEWSAGL”, Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Avarice, Gluttony, and Lust. I covered the first five in the last couple weeks and will finish the last two here. I’m using a definition for each from Michael Downey’s The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality, Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2000. I like these definitions and think they give a concise, good explanation of each sin well worth pondering.
Gluttony
The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality, edited by Michael Downey, describes gluttony as follows:
Gluttony is typically associated with excessive eating and drinking, but it is not limited to these. Indulging the body at the expense of the mind and the soul, it can sap energy as it partakes of two closely related sins, avarice and lust. More broadly described, gluttony entails excessive and narrowing absorption in the immediate appetitive pleasures of the self, and it may show in insatiable desire for any activity. Culpable gluttony may be difficult to distinguish from the sickness of addiction. True gluttony is related to acts that arise when choice is free, when one may decide whether to indulge or abstain. Recent considerations of the sin of gluttony have raised issues of world hunger and sharing of goods, excessive care for personal appearance, and even dangers of overindulgence in exercise and dieting. Progress in moving away from gluttony will likely involve self-knowledge, self-restraint, and a balanced rhythm of life.
To heal from gluttony, let us renounce it, confess it, and seek temperance. Set goals, eliminate things that tempt you, practice moderation, take less than you want, avoid indulgences, resist impulse, take a moment to think or prayer before instantly going to what you crave, notice your emotions when you overdo and find a different healthy way to react to those emotions, slow down, tell yourself no sometimes, be ok with discomfort, and pray for God’s help.
Lust
Lust, an excessive desire for sexual pleasure, threatens a striving for calm, gentle self-control. The sin of lust often develops when there is a lack of human wholeness, a pace of life that is hectic, and a lack of respect for self or others. The challenge of chaste living involves not only acknowledging that genital sexual drives and affections are normal and spontaneous but also channeling energies into appropriate levels of interest and occupation. Growth toward chastity can come through quieting one’s pace of life, entering into wholesome relationships and well-rounded activities, fostering a healthy attitude toward the body, discovering ways in which the temperate satisfaction of bodily needs can support inner life, and recognizing the limits imposed by one’s major commitments in life. (ibid)
To heal from lust, let us renounce it, confess it, and seek chastity. Pray! Jesus said, Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) Avoid temptations and things that stimulate your imagination to lust. Be careful about what you watch and the media you consume. Don’t indulge lustful thoughts. When you notice an attractive person, don’t dwell on them, but turn to God thanking Him for beauty and leaving it there. Keep good boundaries. Practice modesty. Know what things lead to lust (like being alone, loneliness, being tired, angry, etc) and make an action plan to de-trigger them. Have good relationships and friendships. Always remember that the other person has great dignity and is a child of God.
This concludes our scrutiny into the seven deadly sins. We all fall short. Now is the time to make a good confession! There are opportunities for confession almost every day of this week at the following times and places, so there is no excuse to not go this week.
Sun (March 17)
3pm @ Cure’ of Ars-Leawood Penance Service (many priests)
3pm @ Queen of the Holy Rosary-Overland Park Penance Service (many priests)
3pm @ St. Agnes-Roeland Park Penance Service (many priests)
7pm @ St. Paul’s-Olathe Penance Service (many priests)
Mon (March 18)
7pm @ Good Shepherd-Shawnee Penance Service (many priests)
7pm @ Holy Trinity-Lenexa; Holy Spirit-OP Penance Service (many priests)
7pm @ St. Michael’s-Leawood Penance Service (many priests)
Tues (March 19)
7pm @ Holy Cross-Overland Park Penance Service (many priests)
7pm @ Prince of Peace-Olathe Penance Service (many priests)
7pm @ Ascension-Overland Park Penance Service (many priests)
Wed (March 20)
12noon @ Prince of Peace (just normal confessions 2 priests)
6pm @ Prince of Peace (just normal confessions 3 priests)
Thur (March 21)
7pm @ Divine Mercy-Gardner Penance Service (many priests)
7pm @ Sacred Heart-Shawnee Penance Service (many priests)
7pm @ St. Pius X-Mission Penance Service (many priests)
7pm @ St. Joseph-Shawnee Penance Service (many priests)
Sat (March 23)
3:30pm @ Prince of Peace (just normal confessions 3 priests)
Sun (March 24)
3pm @ Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea Penance Service (many priests)
3pm @ St. Ann-Prairie Village Penance Service (many priests)
3pm @ St. John Paul II-Olathe Penance Service (many priests)
7pm @ Nativity-Leawood Penance Service (many priests)
Peace,
Fr. Greg