Absolution

[JKirkLVNV]

It has been said here on these forums many times that absolution is not dependent on any action understaken by the person – when they walk out of confession, their sins are either forgiven or retained … they are not forgiven based on certain conditions.

Sir Knight is correct, it’s been said by the professional apologists (not just the amateurs, in other words).

 

[Rykell]

CCC 2487 Every offense committed against justice and truth entails the duty of reparation, even if its author has been forgiven. When it is impossible publicly to make reparation for a wrong, it must be made secretly. If someone who has suffered harm cannot be directly compensated, he must be given moral satisfaction in the name of charity. This duty of reparation also concerns offenses against another’s reputation. This reparation, moral and sometimes material, must be evaluated in terms of the extent of the damage inflicted. It obliges in conscience.

scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2487.htm

I believe Joan is correct, that one must have the intention to make reparation when repenting of either of these two sins. Absolution is not dependent upon having already done so, for if the damage is great, it may take considerable time and effort to gradually make the amends of justice.

This has kept me from the potential sin of stealing, whenever I considered that I would be required to make restitution. Small amounts of venial matter are not strictly required. For those mortal sins which damaged our neighbor’s livelihood, possessions or reputation, we are to make restoration as far as we are able. This was absolutely necessary in the Old Testament. Not only did they have to restore it, but God required the Israelites to add a portion extra.

If it is not possible to return it to the actual person from whom it was stolen due to extenuating circumstances, it can be given to charity over a period of time as means allows. The value can also be returned anonymously with a check in the mail, if it is no longer possible to return the specific item.

A situation comes to mind where St. Gerard Majella was calumniated in a most serious manner, one which he bore heroicly in silence. Upon her deathbed the person who spread the lie repented, and notified those to whom she falsely accused him in order to restore his reputation. I would guess she realized the seriousness of this duty in justice before she passed to eternal life. Some who lived in antiquity had a greaters sense of this perhaps than we do today.