Contrite souls

[DanteAlighieri]

Here’s a question:

Given that one must be contrite for one’s sins at the time of death in order to attain everlasting life, many people assume that this means one must voice the words (or at least think them), “I’m sorry for my sins, Lord” – or something along those lines.

In the Commedia, Dante demonstrates over and over the conditioning of the will – that is, one’s actions in life condition one to make the final choice of whether one will reject God or accept Him after death. The souls of the damned go willingly to Inferno.

This seems in line with what I’ve read of the Catechism, though I freely admit that a) I’m no expert in Dante or Church Doctrine, and b) the Commedia is a work of art, not of theology.

It seems to me that the physiology of our bodies cannot limit the contrition of our souls. For example, if I have sinned and am struck by lightning before I can express my sorrow physically (i.e., by saying or thinking, “I’m sorry, Lord”), is it not possible for God to forgive me of that sin?

NB: I am making no distinction between mortal and venial sin here; I’m purely discussing the possibility of the soul being contrite even though the body has not displayed contrition.

I look forward to your thoughts.

Peace,
Dante

 

[LilyM]

Here’s a question:

Given that one must be contrite for one’s sins at the time of death in order to attain everlasting life, many people assume that this means one must voice the words (or at least think them), “I’m sorry for my sins, Lord” – or something along those lines.

In the Commedia, Dante demonstrates over and over the conditioning of the will – that is, one’s actions in life condition one to make the final choice of whether one will reject God or accept Him after death. The souls of the damned go willingly to Inferno.

This seems in line with what I’ve read of the Catechism, though I freely admit that a) I’m no expert in Dante or Church Doctrine, and b) the Commedia is a work of art, not of theology.

It seems to me that the physiology of our bodies cannot limit the contrition of our souls. For example, if I have sinned and am struck by lightning before I can express my sorrow physically (i.e., by saying or thinking, “I’m sorry, Lord”), is it not possible for God to forgive me of that sin?

NB: I am making no distinction between mortal and venial sin here; I’m purely discussing the possibility of the soul being contrite even though the body has not displayed contrition.

I look forward to your thoughts.

Peace,
Dante

I think God is clever enough to take into account factors such as the suddenness of death or physical incapacity at point of death which may make such expression impossible.

At the same time, he’s also smart enough to figure out when we’re being just plain presumptuous or lazy, having ample opportunity to repent properly, but hoping to be able to live however we want and get a last minute reprieve. And I don’t imagine he looks on it too kindly.

So it’s best for all of us to begin living our lives right now so that we have as little as possible to repent of.

 

[DanteAlighieri]

I think God is clever enough to take into account factors such as the suddenness of death or physical incapacity at point of death which may make such expression impossible.

At the same time, he’s also smart enough to figure out when we’re being just plain presumptuous or lazy, having ample opportunity to repent properly, but hoping to be able to live however we want and get a last minute reprieve. And I don’t imagine he looks on it too kindly.

So it’s best for all of us to begin living our lives right now so that we have as little as possible to repent of.

Well said – I agree whole-heartedly.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

The retreat master at my week-end retreat this past week-end, told us a story about Padre Pio. A woman came to him crying. When inquired what the problem was, she told him that her brother had committed suicide by jumping off a bridge and because this is a mortal sin, he was doomed to hell. Padre Pio told the woman, that he knew that her brother had realised his error before he hit the water, and made a perfect act of contrition before dying. He was in heaven with the Lord.

This is a true story.

So if you’re ever thing about jumping off a bridge, make sure it’s a high one in case you change you mind before you hit.

Jim