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Angel Alonzo
wrote:
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Hi, guys —
I have a couple of questions.
- Is drawing a statue of Venus a sin?
I just see those statues as Roman or Greek Art, not a god or goddess because I recognize there is one God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
- Is it good for an adolescent to start the spiritual exercises by St. Ignatius seeing there are (5) five exercises and each is one hour?
That's 5 hours of prayer plus my daily whole Rosary which makes it 6 hours.
I feel that this prayer regimen can become overwhelming.
- Finally, how do I fight against temptation and how do I know I am growing in holiness?
Angel
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{
What's your view on these practices and how do I fight temptation and know I'm getting holier? }
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Bob replied:
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Dear Angel,
Thanks for the question.
I would break up the spiritual exercises into a weekly event, so do an hour on the weekends, but don't try to incorporate it into your daily routine. The Rosary and other devotions are sufficient for the weekdays.
Painting Venus or other ancient symbols and mythological deities is not a sin; you understand it is merely art and not idolatry.
Peace,
Bob Kirby
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Angel replied:
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Thanks Bob,
I am very busy on Saturdays and Sundays are very hard to pray although I still pray just as much.
- Also, what do you mean a weekly event? <5 exercises are 5 hours.>
- I know I am just a teen and (in school) so I can't expect to be like St. Ignatius but how do I become holy?
I don't feel holier no matter what I do.
- Also how do I offer myself as a living sacrifice?
I don't know how to do that.
Angel
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Bob replied:
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Angel,
I was suggesting that you break up the exercises into smaller segments; don't try to do five hours at once. Just do an hour, or even 30 minutes on a weekend, if you can fit it in. That may take 5-10 weeks for complete but that is much more sensible and manageable. When I did the exercises I met for about 90 minutes with a small group, once a week, for a number of weeks over several months. It was something to look forward to and not a burden.
Feeling holy is not something likely to happen. Feelings change, feelings lie, feelings are often very unhelpful. You will know your increase in holiness is happening when you are able to do better against temptations; not that the temptations will stop, but that your response to them is improving. Also, you may feel more of a desire to help others. That is a sure sign of holiness.
In any case, the irony is that the more holy we become, the more aware of how unholy we are. We start to feel more unworthy as we go, which is both helpful to keep us honest, but also can be discouraging and a challenge to endure.
Just read the lives of the saints for more.
Peace,
Bob K.
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Angel replied:
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Bob,
- I am more holy because I can do a little better against my temptations but how do I fight against temptations in the night because that's when they mainly come?
Lately, I haven't got very strong temptations though previously I used to fall into the smallest temptations. I know my boundaries now; I do better and try very hard not to fall into solitary sin. I also have a great love for the passion of Christ and the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary are my favorite.
- Instead of always praying the whole life of Christ, meaning the whole Rosary, am I allowed to pray four times the entire sorrowful mysteries?
I also want to help the poor people like St. Francis and I see that Our Lady has defeated some heresies in my life and has helped me increase in wisdom. I am glad Our Lady is our mother; she helps a lot.
- Does this mean I am growing in holiness?
Angel
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Bob replied:
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Angel,
The best thing you can do is pray your way through temptation. So when you are tempted, run to God in prayer, and ask St. Joseph for help. The situation will get easier.
You are growing in holiness, even when you can't tell, as long as you are obeying Gods Will.
Peace,
Bob K.
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