Because I myself give in to it, and it bothers me that others have succeeded in overcoming the problem, while I haven’t. Something, or rather someone, talked me out of trying to deal with the problem. But not for ever! Since going to Confession on June 18, 2004, I have decided to join the Movement of Pure Hearts (MPH). I think that this is my only chance of beating this evil (read: self-abuse, pornography, etc.) Masturbation lies in wait wherever a young person goes these days; but if we cooperate with Our Savior, we can avoid falling into sin. The road to MPH has been a very difficult one for me. I discovered self-abuse quite by accident. I don’t even know when it became my constant everyday companion. I do remember that I was already masturbating in my early years of grade school. Since I am now nineteen years old, I realize that I am addicted to this sin; however, there is nothing to prevent me from finally having done with it. In the past, my confessions were sacrilegious, as was my going to Holy Communion. Now I have decided to change my life and free myself of this addiction. I know it won’t be easy, but one has to swim against the current to reach the headwaters of faith, hope and love – whatever the cost.

Watch out everyone, for Satan does not sleep! He is like a computer equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence that gathers information about people so as to use it against them in the future. We are programmed to lose the contest. But Jesus comes to our rescue in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and no one can outsmart or beat Him. I know now that you have to trust Jesus. My earnest advice to all those who hesitate as I hesitated is that you ask Mary and Her Son for the gift of courage, which is something our modern world is so lacking in. I urge all those who are slaves to sin to do battle with it. My wish is that you will all hear the words of Jesus in your hearts: Do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last: I am the Living One. I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and of the underworld (Rev 1 : 17-18).

 

I have to tell you that your magazine continues to help me in my struggle with my addiction to masturbation. A sincere thank-you! Please pray for me and for others in the same boat as me. I assure you of my own prayers.

P.