Confession and aging

[Loboto-Me]

I’ve noticed that as I’ve grown older, the subject of my confessions has changed. I’m not sure whether to blame aging, or to blame the strengthening of my faith through reading posts here but there has definitely been a huge change in my sins.

It used to be that many of my sins were more tangible sins, but now as my faith journey goes forward, I’ve noticed the less tangible sins such as sins of feelings and acting on those feelings, unfortunately some of them that I can’t even explain properly to the priest as sometimes they more about the “heart” and the heart sins in more than one way at the same time.

I also have a real question here. When someone is in the confessional and the priest’s first language is not yours (english in my case), sometimes it seems that the priest doesn’t quite understand what you’re trying to convey, and therefore doesn’t really understand what sin you’re confessing. I know that we are forgiven ALL our sins, but does this mean we should go back later and try to re-explain the sin if we feel that the priest didn’t quite “get it”?

 

[Fran65]

In my opinion, if you have made a sincere attempt to explain then your sins are forgiven. After all it is God (through the priest) to whom you are confessing, and He knows all, even though we need to go through the process of confession to obtain reconciliation.

God Bless

 

[RosaryFan]

I’ve noticed that as I’ve grown older, the subject of my confessions has changed. I’m not sure whether to blame aging, or to blame the strengthening of my faith through reading posts here but there has definitely been a huge change in my sins.

It used to be that many of my sins were more tangible sins, but now as my faith journey goes forward, I’ve noticed the less tangible sins such as sins of feelings and acting on those feelings, unfortunately some of them that I can’t even explain properly to the priest as sometimes they more about the “heart” and the heart sins in more than one way at the same time.

I also have a real question here. When someone is in the confessional and the priest’s first language is not yours (english in my case), sometimes it seems that the priest doesn’t quite understand what you’re trying to convey, and therefore doesn’t really understand what sin you’re confessing. I know that we are forgiven ALL our sins, but does this mean we should go back later and try to re-explain the sin if we feel that the priest didn’t quite “get it”?

I wouldn’t think it would be necessary to re-explain your sin. If the priest doesn’t understand you, he’ll ask you to explain better. If he doesn’t ask you to explain, he probably does understand.

 

[JRKH]

I agree that the language barrier is not a real problem unless you are seeking advice from the priest on some matter. If you are merely ocnfessiong your sins, rest assured that God understands you perfectly…

To the matter concering the nature of the sins where you say, “*I can’t even explain properly to the priest as sometimes they more about the “heart” and the heart sins in more than one way at the same time *”

Consider using something likde the seven deadly sins as a basis.
These sins, Pride, Anger, Sloth, Gluttony, Lust, Greed, and Envy, are all “heart” related. In fact most all of our “commandment sins” are tracable to these faults. It may also make the sins more understandable for your “English challanged” confessor…

Peace
James

 

[Loboto-Me]

Thank you all for the advice and the reassurance. I never even thought of “The Seven Deadly Sins”… that surely would make things easier on both our parts.

 

[JRKH]

Thank you all for the advice and the reassurance. I never even thought of “The Seven Deadly Sins”… that surely would make things easier on both our parts.

It is not a common method but I found it, well stumbled onto it really, when I was returning to the church. My initial confession troubled me as I felt, as time went on, that I had not really purged myself properly.
Then I came across the “Seven Deadly Sins” and “Bing” :newidea: YES!!..Just what I needed. Root cause analysis. Everywhere we fail is tracable to one of these, and it is these that are the real problem…The real fault/sin that needs rooted out.
It’s been my guide ever since.

Peace
James

 

[Carlan]

It is not a common method but I found it, well stumbled onto it really, when I was returning to the church. My initial confession troubled me as I felt, as time went on, that I had not really purged myself properly.
Then I came across the “Seven Deadly Sins” and “Bing” :newidea: YES!!..Just what I needed. Root cause analysis. Everywhere we fail is tracable to one of these, and it is these that are the real problem…The real fault/sin that needs rooted out.
It’s been my guide ever since.

Peace
James

I thank you also James.
It certainly can cut out the stumbling in details. It helps in getting to the bottom cause and dealing better toward growth in holiness,becoming the kind of persons we are meant to be. Peace, Carlan