Confession and Absolution

[mullenpm]

Suppose a person embezzled money from an employer in an earlier life; the theft was never discovered and lost in memory.

Now, the Holy Spirit has refreshed the memory of the thief. That person must confess the sin (a mortal sin) but it is impossible to repay the money (a few thousand dollars) and many decades have passed.

How can the Priest give absolution in this circumstance? There has been no reimbursement.

 

[daeve]

Earlier life? You mean, when younger, not in a previous lifetime…right?

You know what, I think you should address this question to Ask an Apologist. That would be a definitely valid answer. We could be wrong.

 

[mullenpm]

Sorry, of course I mean a “younger” life. I will change the forum, if I can figure out how to do it. Thanks.

 

[JimG]

When it is impossible to make restitution to the party who was wronged, he may give the amount to charity. In any case, absolution can be given without the necessity to wait for restitution.

 

[daeve]

I wouldn’t know how to change forums either. I’d just go to that forum and ask the question again. An actual apologist will answer your question. One of them I see answering a lot is a priest.

 

[Pro_Domina]

The Absolution can be given without restitution of the exact amount, but something must be done, which the priest should judge but not leave it blank.

 

[mullenpm]

Thanks, this is a sticky question because this person has NO money or means to make restribution.

Thanks, I will re-post on the other forum.

 

[mullenpm]

Thank you responders; I have passed along your suggestions about giving the money (possibility in increments) to a charity and I think that will work. My friend now feels comfortable with making a true confession.

 

[bbentrup]

I would like to make the suggestion of donating at least a portion to a monastery, where they will happily promise to say masses for the intention of a requested soul. Normally this is done by way of a “mass card.” This could easily be done anonymously from the givers standpoint.

I can’t vouch for this site, but I suspect it is what they claim to be and seems to be very holy. catholicmasscards.org/ There are many others to be found with a quick search engine check.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Earlier life? You mean, when younger, not in a previous lifetime…right?

Just so this doesn’t slip by, unnoticed… and be read by non-Catholics, who might be investigating the faith… the Catholic Church does not teach or adhere to the “belief” in reincarnation… and previous lives. The Church teaches that we have ONE life.

And the only future life we will have, will be in eternity (Heaven, Purgatory or hell).

 

[daeve]

Just so this doesn’t slip by, unnoticed… and be read by non-Catholics, who might be investigating the faith… the Catholic Church does not teach or adhere to the “belief” in reincarnation… and previous lives. The Church teaches that we have ONE life.

And the only future life we will have, will be in eternity (Heaven, Purgatory or hell).

That’s why I asked for clarification.

 

[turtle18]

I know of no church requirement that involves restitution in order to receive absolution. You may feel like you need to make restitution but your confessor can just absolve you and give you penance.

There is not a “master” list of this sin requires this penance. In the case of murder, how would one make restitution? If a person has sterilized themselves, the priest doesn’t require the person to un-sterlize themselves in order to receive absolution.