Did I have a valid confession

[thunder_619]

Ok well basically every time when I go to confession and I finish, I usually have this “feeling”. I do not know how to describe it, but it feels like something good has happened. But when I went to confession this time, I did not feel anything. I didn’t feel happy, excited, or have this sense of “cleansing”. Nothing. Is this a sign that a confession may had been invalid or is it completely normal? Thanks.

 

[revert_jen]

Feelings are absolutely NO guide to the validity of a sacrament. Sometimes, God may grant you special feelings afterward, but that is just a gift, not part of the sacrament.

–Jen

 

[Joe_5859]

Jen is right. The feelings are nice and can be a great spiritual consolation, but they are not what makes the sacrament valid.

When I go to Confession, sometimes I feel better, sometimes I don’t. But I know the sacrament takes away my sins regardless of how I feel because I trust what Jesus promised and what the Church teaches.

Can you imagine how chaotic it would be if the sacraments were dependent on our emotions? (e.g. I know my dog just died, but I still think I should feel better.) Thank the Lord that such is not required. The sacraments work ex opere operato (“out of the work having been worked”). As long as the sacrament followed the form laid out by the Church, you know it worked.