Addictions and Afflictions: Breaking Free from What Controls Us | Fr Varghese Parackal

Anything can become a form of bondage when it begins to control our choices and weaken our freedom to choose what is good. In this talk, Fr Varghese Parackal reflects on St Paul’s words, “I will not be dominated by anything,” and asks us to examine the habits, attachments and ordinary activities that may quietly begin to rule our lives. From alcohol, smoking and gambling to shopping, food, technology and other repeated habits, Fr Varghese calls Christians to honest self-examination, practical self-control and a disciplined spiritual life. The goal is not discipline for its own sake, but freedom: freedom to choose Christ above every created thing and to keep running toward the crown that does not perish. This talk was given by Fr Varghese Parackal on 10 July 2010 at Mannix College, Clayton (Melbourne), Victoria, at Session 7 of Divine Australia’s Let His Spirit Flow Live-In Retreat, a three-day retreat held from 9-11 July 2010. Read the article based on this talk: https://divineaustralia.au/read/not-b... Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 6:12 Hosea 4:11 Ephesians 5:18 Philippians 3:18-19 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 Subtitles are available in multiple languages. Select CC/Subtitles in the YouTube player to choose your language. Subscribe to Divine Australia Talks to be notified when we publish new talks. divineaustralia.au For Divine Australia livestreams and live programme broadcasts, visit the main Divine Australia YouTube channel. Pastoral note: This talk uses the word addiction broadly for habits and attachments that can dominate our choices. Serious substance use, gambling, pornography or other entrenched dependencies may require professional or specialist support alongside prayer and spiritual discipline. #DivineAustralia #CatholicFaith #ChristianFreedom #SelfControl #Discipleship