Confession question... again

[JL2011]

Hi,

Here’s the thing: I did something that in itself is not a grave thing, but I thought it was when I did it (I’m not even sure I deliberately did it, but I probably did). Later I discovered what I did wasn’t a sin, but I went to confession to say that I did something I thought was grave (since that counts as a mortal sin).

However, I omitted the circumstances, which I think, make that sin a little graver, not because I forgot them, but because I find it very difficult to say. I had previously confessed the “did something that I thought was grave”, but by omitting the circumstances in my last confession, did I make a bad confession? Besides, this would be I think the 4th time I bring this same topic to my confessor and I really think it bothers him.

Did I make a bad confession?

 

[Bookcat]

Hi,

Here’s the thing: I did something that in itself is not a grave thing, but I thought it was when I did it (I’m not even sure I deliberately did it, but I probably did). Later I discovered what I did wasn’t a sin, but I went to confession to say that I did something I thought was grave (since that counts as a mortal sin).

However, I omitted the circumstances, which I think, make that sin a little graver, not because I forgot them, but because I find it very difficult to say. I had previously confessed the “did something that I thought was grave”, but by omitting the circumstances in my last confession, did I make a bad confession? Besides, this would be I think the 4th time I bring this same topic to my confessor and I really think it bothers him.

Did I make a bad confession?

Go discuss this with your confessor…or if you do not have one with another kind priest in confession…ask him to help you sort things out…

But in the mean time…without getting into all the above…I will suggest that you ask yourself…

At the moment you made your confession…did you intend to make a good confession? And did you basically believe you did…

and that it was not until you later thought about it?

 

[JL2011]

Yes, I wanted to make a good confession, but not even in that moment I felt that I did it correctly. I just struggle a lot in confession because of my scruples, and sometimes I don’t say things as they are (like in this case) because I put too much pressure on me.

 

[Bookcat]

Yes, I wanted to make a good confession, but not even in that moment I felt that I did it correctly. I just struggle a lot in confession because of my scruples, and sometimes I don’t say things as they are (like in this case) because I put too much pressure on me.

Yes…such is what supposed…

One who is trying so hard to make a good confession…while having a difficulty with scruples…is quite readily going to experience difficulties …some have such right in the important moments of life…in the confessional etc…where they are trying so hard to do the right thing…

you need a* regular confessor* if you do not yet have one. One into whom you can put yourself …following the directions and principles he may give. (unless of course he tells you to do something like murder your aunt sally…)

Then when he tells you to leave something…it is on him…for you are not in the same boat as others…you have a difficulty with scruples…which causes your “compass” to be off for the time being…you need someone to guide you …a kind regular confessor.

feel free to pm me if you like if I can be of any help in addition.

 

[Jim_Roberts]

If you left out details, this could be a new situation.

If the priest wanted more information or he did not comprehend what you were saying, I am sure you would asked you to repeat your self.

WHen you conceal something in confession, this is a serious thing because the Sacrament is so great with the Holy Spirit; who are you fooling, God can read youru hearts and minds.

It is never a good idea to repeat sins that have been confessed.

Do you know that when you go to confession, ALL OF YOUR PAST SINS ARE FORGIVEN, so I wouldn’'t worry about this–just try to forget it and get on with your life, God has forgiven all of your sins.

 

[Bookcat]

If you left out details, this could be a new situation.

If the priest wanted more information or he did not comprehend what you were saying, I am sure you would asked you to repeat your self.

WHen you conceal something in confession, this is a serious thing because the Sacrament is so great with the Holy Spirit; who are you fooling, God can read youru hearts and minds.

It is never a good idea to repeat sins that have been confessed.

Do you know that when you go to confession, ALL OF YOUR PAST SINS ARE FORGIVEN, so I wouldn’'t worry about this–just try to forget it and get on with your life, God has forgiven all of your sins.

One is obliged to confess a forgotten mortal sin…but as noted above…a person with scruples ought to listen to his confessor…for he can be in a different boat …seeing all sorts of sin where there is not…or seeking to give all sorts of details that are not needed…

 

[Ben_F]

Maybe I´m just lucky (blessed), but the Holy Spirit guides me pretty well in my confessions. Do people pray to the Holy Spirit before confession anymore? God Bless:thumbsup:

 

[Marla_Frances]

yes, I have that problem also. It is important to do as your confessor tells you even if it is difficult to do. Pray to St. Joseph for help to rid yourself of scruples and also the Blessed Mother. They both have helped me immensely! Marla Frances

 

[JL2011]

I do have a regular confessor (I suppose that means just having one confessor). He told me not to repeat sins in Confession, but it’s not that I repeat them, it’s just that I don’t say them correctly.

I know that forgotten sins are forgiven, but not hidden sins, and since what I hid probably makes the sin worse than it was, I think I made a bad Confession.

Yes, I pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit all the time before Confession, but I still end up hiding things.

Please pray for me.

 

[Bookcat]

I do have a regular confessor (I suppose that means just having one confessor). He told me not to repeat sins in Confession, but it’s not that I repeat them, it’s just that I don’t say them correctly.

I know that forgotten sins are forgiven, but not hidden sins, and since what I hid probably makes the sin worse than it was, I think I made a bad Confession.

Yes, I pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit all the time before Confession, but I still end up hiding things.

Please pray for me.

You need to tell him of this sort of thing happening in confession…(and you tell him you consider him your regular confessor and that you need help overcoming scruples…)

Those with a difficulty with scruples can fear they made a bad confession…it is part of the scruples…(though not all fear this thankfully for them)

Hiding things is a deliberate act…I committed murder four times…to sound not so bad I say that it was 2x. That is a very good example of a bad confession.

A person with a difficulty with scruples…trying so hard to make a good confession… …can be a very different story … a different day.

Talk with your confessor

 

[JL2011]

I will today, thank you.