I have a wonderful Catholic priest for my Spiritual Director.

He is insightful, patient, affirming, asks questions that help me zone in on problem areas, directs with the “mind of the Church”, is an awesome listener, and I get a 2 for 1 each month when he hears my confession at the end.

Last week was no exception.

I prayerfully examined my conscience, started my confession, then shared my sins and offenses.

When I finished, Father started to speak and offer words of wisdom when I cut him off:

Me: Oh wait, there’s one more…

Father: Please, go on…

Me: I’ve been watching the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial on YouTube. It’s addicting and taking me away from things I should be doing.

Me, continuing: Like, I could be reading things that would benefit my spiritual life, or doing things around the house that I’ve put off. Do the laundry, make dinner, shower [nervous laugh]…

Me, now rambling: It’s like a car crash… horrible, but I can’t look away!

Father: Be grateful for your awareness of this activity and how it affects your growth in holiness. Our souls are affected by what we consume. We all struggle with temptation and it’s amplified because of technology. Those temptations are literally at our fingertips as we hold our smartphones.

Father continued: It is good that you’re bringing this to Jesus. Be gentle with yourself. The Lord is kind & merciful. It’s easy to get absorbed into a story like that Hollywood trial. We click the link and can get lost for hours.

Me: I’ve been watching since day 1. We’re entering the 6th week.

Father: 😳

Father: Let’s talk about that…

Much more was shared; I eventually received absolution and a penance which will help with this particular attachment.

As I left the session my spirit was filled with joy and peace from the grace of the Sacrament. I also noticed an interior disposition of vigilance. The more I desire to grow in holiness the more tailored the seductions used by the enemy.

A sobering reality.

Dear Jesus, help me guard my soul, take custody of my thoughts, master my will, and keep eyes on heaven.

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.

The God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory through Christ Jesus will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little.

1 Peter 5:8-10

Please pray for me (and Johnny & Amber) as I pray for you!