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Jaysdec
Guest
How can I obtain true sorrow/contrition for my sins? Especially sins of lust, gluttony,etc etc…
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Sirach2
Guest
If you are striving to obtain “perfect” contrition, it may be difficult at this time in your life. However, the sacrament of reconciliation allows that a person have “imperfect” contrition. The difference is in explained in the Catechism.
Contrition
1451 Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.”
1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.
1453 The contrition called “imperfect” (or “attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.
Having imperfect contrition, which sounds like where you are now, will remit these offenses. The important thing to remember is to keep going to confession to obtain the special graces you need in order to overcome them, and hopefully attain one day to “perfect” contrition due to intense sorrow for having offended the goodness of God. That form of deep sorrow will ultimately enable one to conquer completely.
Contrition
1451 Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.”
1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.
1453 The contrition called “imperfect” (or “attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.
Having imperfect contrition, which sounds like where you are now, will remit these offenses. The important thing to remember is to keep going to confession to obtain the special graces you need in order to overcome them, and hopefully attain one day to “perfect” contrition due to intense sorrow for having offended the goodness of God. That form of deep sorrow will ultimately enable one to conquer completely.
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Joy2day
Guest
I can’t really add anything to what Sirach2 said, however, just my 2c - perfect contrition is a gift from God, and as Sirach2 exactly said in their post - go to confession as often as you can and confess all sins you are aware of. God will give you the graces and maybe the gift of perfect contrition. You cannot have remission of sins without the absolution in the sacrament. And always - pray for this gift of contrition. By yourself, you cannot do anything.
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Jaysdec
Guest
Yeah… So like st. Ignatious said… Contrition and gratitude are both gifts from God…just need to pray for them… I like to honor the 5 wounds of Jesus everyday…
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ready
Guest
Pray, pray, pray, especially for contrition and for fear of the Lord (fear of offending Him). Think about what our sins did to our innocent loving Lord Jesus Christ during His cruel Passion, and resolve never more to hurt him by any willful or deliberate sin. Make frequent acts of love and contrition throughout your day. God bless you.
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InNomineDomini
Guest
Just to clarify something, I’d like to quote from ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage_print.asp?number=370862:…hopefully attain one day to “perfect” contrition due to intense sorrow for having offended the goodness of God. That form of deep sorrow will ultimately enable one to conquer completely.
Colin then provides a standard wording of an act of perfect contrition.
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