Works are the proof, expression, evidence of sincere faith. How you live your life is witness to your proclamation of faith. From James 2: 26* “For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” * I would suggest reading all of James 2 as well as Matthew 25.
From the CCC:
usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt2.shtml#art4
*
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"Penance requires . . . the sinner to endure all things willingly, be contrite of heart, confess with the lips, and practice complete humility and fruitful satisfaction."49
Contrition
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Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again."50
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When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.51
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The contrition called “imperfect” (or
“attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit.
It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution.** By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sin**s, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.*52
God’s love and mercy are far greater than our sins. It is He who created you . Psalm 139
- 13
You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.
14
I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
15
5 my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
16
Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
17
How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!
18
Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.*
and from Romans 8:***
37
No,
in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.**
38
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers,
39
nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.*
“…in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.”*** It would seem to me that, if you have not been to Confession recently, making a good confession might be most helpful. I would mention these concerns to your priest, who might suggest a daily examination of conscience - many good ones online, too, and give you some spiritual direction. Spend some time with Jesus before the Blessed Sacrament.
Though Hell is real, you should not live your life in fear of it. Salvation is real. Live in the hope of that. God sent His Son who died for us and set an example for us by His life.
John 14:
- 1
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
2
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.*
God bless. Keep asking questions!
