Confession repentance and forgiveness

[JoeFreedom]

Hypothetically what if someone committed some crime (e.g.: murder, theft or for that matter any sin) and felt guilty, sorry and remorseful so s/he goes to confession and is absolved. Then years later s/he decides s/he wasn’t sorry and was glad to have done it. Would the absolution still apply or be reversed in God’s eyes?

 

[semper_catholicus]

No, the absolution wouldn’t be reversed. What is necessary is that you are sorry for your sins prior to and at the moment of absolution. If you (hypothetically), at the exact moment you left the confessional, were no longer sorry for your sin, and you did not plan this beforehand, then the absolution would be valid.

That doesn’t mean you can fake being sorry before confession, and then not be sorry afterwards though. That would be recidivism.

 

[JoeFreedom]

That’s what I figured. Just to be clear I am not referring to myself. I have an inquisitive mind that just asks strange questions…

Thanks

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

The malice in one’s heart at the later time might be a new sin…and potentially as grave.