Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

How to Deal with Shame


Listen Later

Hello Father Josh!

Let me start out by saying you are such an incredible blessing to so many! God has truly sent you to help those in need. You are so relatable, and it is wonderful and very encouraging. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

My question or concern is this. A number of years ago, in my 20’s, I was at a very low point. I was depressed and searching for what I hoped would be real love. I found myself continuing to make the same mistake repeatedly, by sleeping with these men I’d date sometimes only briefly. I am so incredibly ashamed and disappointed in myself. Though I have confessed these sins on multiple occasions during Confession, I can’t ever forgive myself. I do believe God most likely forgives me, but am also deeply afraid of the recourse I will have to pay for these mistakes. I am frightened of the suffering in purgatory, though I know I deserve the consequences and to be made clean before entering Heaven. It was such a sad time in my life, and I shied away from what was right. I am just wondering, does it offend God that I don’t forgive myself? Will I suffer immensely for these sins? Can I do anything to earn penance while on Earth? I know we must pay for our sins and that He died for ours. But I can’t help but to feel scared of dying because of this. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

God Bless you.

  • Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh
  • Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
  • Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)By Ascension

    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    2,609 ratings


    More shows like Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

    View all
    Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz by Ascension

    Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz

    6,226 Listeners

    Pints With Aquinas by Matt Fradd

    Pints With Aquinas

    6,655 Listeners

    Abiding Together by Heather Khym, Michelle Benzinger, Sister Miriam James Heidland

    Abiding Together

    4,125 Listeners

    The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast by Ascension

    The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

    7,690 Listeners

    The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast) by Ascension

    The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)

    2,160 Listeners

    All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri by Ascension

    All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

    1,363 Listeners

    The Tightrope: Reflections for Busy Catholics by Ascension

    The Tightrope: Reflections for Busy Catholics

    160 Listeners

    The Catholic Talk Show by Ryan Scheel & Ryan DellaCrosse

    The Catholic Talk Show

    1,519 Listeners

    Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast) by Ascension

    Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

    833 Listeners

    Godsplaining by Dominican Friars Province of St. Joseph

    Godsplaining

    1,258 Listeners

    The Poco a Poco Podcast with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal by Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

    The Poco a Poco Podcast with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

    2,899 Listeners

    The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) by Ascension

    The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

    61,275 Listeners

    Catholic Saints by Augustine Institute

    Catholic Saints

    1,126 Listeners

    Chris Stefanick Catholic Show by Chris Stefanick | Real Life Catholic

    Chris Stefanick Catholic Show

    441 Listeners

    Catholic Classics by Ascension

    Catholic Classics

    1,118 Listeners

    The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) by Ascension

    The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

    11,332 Listeners

    The Bible Timeline Show (with Jeff Cavins) by Ascension

    The Bible Timeline Show (with Jeff Cavins)

    78 Listeners

    The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames) by Ascension

    The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)

    5,320 Listeners