More Lust, When you Deepen Your Spirituality

In Catholic teaching, a deepening spiritual practice does not inherently cause an increase in lustful feelings; rather, it often brings a person into a more direct spiritual battle against the inherent human tendency toward concupiscence (disordered desires resulting from original sin). The increased awareness and struggle are a sign of growth in purity and a more serious commitment to holiness, which the devil may try to disrupt.  Catholic Understanding of Lust and Spiritual Practice Concupiscence is Universal: All people struggle with concupiscence ( strong sexual desire or lust ), the "rebellion of the 'flesh' against the 'spirit'". This is a consequence of Original Sin and is not in itself a sin unless the person consents to the disordered desire. Spiritual Maturity and Awareness: As a person deepens their spiritual life and strives for a "purity of heart," they become more attuned to God's holiness and more aware of their own imperfections and the subtle ways temptation manifests. What might have been previously ignored or rationalized is now recognized as a temptation to sin.

A Tactic of the Devil: St. John of the Cross taught that the devil sometimes excites lustful feelings during prayer or spiritual exercises precisely to discourage individuals, make them feel guilty, and lead them to abandon prayer.

The frequency of temptations is not a measure of spiritual progress; the measure is what one does when they arise. Lust vs. Natural Attraction: Catholic teaching distinguishes between the sin of lust (a consented-to or inordinate desire for sexual pleasure for its own sake, isolated from its proper unitive and procreative context within marriage) and natural sexual attraction, which is a God-given part of human nature. The sin lies in the voluntary dwelling on or consent to the disordered desire or thoughts. 

Strategies for Overcoming Lust The Catholic faith offers several practical and spiritual strategies to manage temptations:

Frequent Sacraments: Regularly receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation provides forgiveness and grace, while the Eucharist offers spiritual strength.

Prayer and Fasting: Daily prayer, especially calling on the name of Jesus or the intercession of Mary, is a powerful weapon. Fasting (from food, entertainment, or other indulgences) helps train self-mastery over bodily desires.

Avoid Near Occasions of Sin: This involves identifying and actively avoiding specific situations, places, media, or relationships that make falling into lust more likely.

Redirection and Accountability: Rerouting thoughts and energy toward wholesome activities, hobbies, or service to others is advised. Seeking support from a trusted friend, spiritual director, or support group is also critical. Cultivating Purity of Heart: The ultimate goal is to grow in the virtue of chastity, which is the successful integration of sexuality within the person, allowing one to love others with an upright and undivided heart and to see others as persons made in God's image, not as objects.