Recognizing and Escaping the "Near Occasions" of Sin

Most of us do not want to offend God. In other words, we don’t want to sin. So, although it’s not a fun topic, today let’s talk about how to avoid sin.

The Act of Contrition is a common Catholic prayer in which we ask God to forgive us for our sins.

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

Amen.

What or where is a “near occasion of sin”? I’ve come to understand my most frequent “near occasion” is in my mind. When I stay up in my head and lurk around in its dark crevices, I eventually find some dirt hidden there. At one time or another, we may all find greed, pride, judgmentalism, jealousy, anger, resentment, or lust—internal thoughts that can lead to sin if we fixate on them and allow them to dominate our minds. These thoughts can get stuck on replay and, without intervention, escalate to unbridled feelings and sinful language or behavior.

I asked my husband his thoughts about “near occasions,” and he agreed with me about the head. Then he added, with a tiny grin,  “But, I have two heads to worry about.” To orient you, one head is above his waist and the other below…

“Near occasions” may be totally external, like a barroom, screen, refrigerator, or particular person. Whatever the person, place, or thing may be, you need a plan: a ready-to-execute, rehearsed  intervention you can put into action as soon as you recognize you are in trouble.

Two prerequisites are critical if any plan is going to work.

1.  A sincere intention to avoid offending the God you love

2. Mindfulness. Without mindfulness,  you may be oblivious you are walking a perilous path.

Here’s a sampling of what you can do when you become aware that you are in a “near occasion”:

• Pray. I treasure a  practice I call “praying in the moment.” I say “My Lord, and My God” anytime I find myself beginning to think in unhealthy ways. This prayer rescues me and redirects me toward God, who is always on standby. Many people have their own phrase,  song lyric, or special prayer, such as the Jesus Prayer.

• Take three or four slow and deep breaths. This may reboot your mind so you can redirect your thinking and plan your next step.

• Turn off the screen or shut the book and start your reset, below.

• Physical resets: Go for a walk or run, take a shower, or turn to music, art, or anything creative.

• Pick up the bible or other inspirational book you have preselected and read the desired pages over and over until you find peace.

• Call a trusted  spiritual companion or close friend.

• Seek professional help if your thoughts are intrusive and uncontrolled. Dial 988 if in crisis.

Pray. I treasure a  practice I call “praying in the moment.” I say “My Lord, and My God” anytime I find myself beginning to think in unhealthy ways. This prayer rescues me and redirects me toward God, who is always on standby. Many people have their own phrase,  song lyric, or special prayer, such as the Jesus Prayer.

Take three or four slow and deep breaths. This may reboot your mind so you can redirect your thinking and plan your next step.

Turn off the screen or shut the book and start your reset, below.

Physical resets: Go for a walk or run, take a shower, or turn to music, art, or anything creative.

Pick up the bible or other inspirational book you have preselected and read the desired pages over and over until you find peace.

Call a trusted  spiritual companion or close friend.

Seek professional help if your thoughts are intrusive and uncontrolled. Dial 988 if in crisis.

SUGGESTIONS:

1. Years ago I read a book called “Whatever Became of Sin” by  psychiatrist Karl Menninger. He says we sidestep the concept of individual sin, for example, by blaming organizations or society. Richard Rohr, in The Tears of Things, also speaks of “social sin,” and says “Taking responsibility for the common good is the more important moral mandate.” So, let us pray about our individual sin and also our own role and responsibility for the problems of our society.

2.  In Falling Upward, Richard Rohr  said, “Sin happens when we refuse to keep growing.” Ask your self if you are growing? If the answer is no, reflect on what new steps you might take. Consider prayer, reading, community, exercise, or music, to name a few.

Happy Thanksgiving to all,

Donna