Feeling guilty after confession?

[GuaCatholico]

Today I did my long needed confession for many bad things I have done, one of them was taking the Eucharist while in the state of Mortal sin and other bad stuff. I remember when I was younger after confessing I felt light as a feather and very happy that I was forgiven. Now I did not feel better after confessing though the father was very nice and respectful and told me that I do not need to do penance but to pray for those who are lost. He did say the “I absolve you from your sins” part. I believe those words to be true yet I feel terrible as if I was not forgiven. Is this a normal feeling I am having? and what can I do to feel better?

Thanks for helping me in advance!

 

[MichaelHowling]

It’s ok. You’re healing. The sacrament did what it was supposed to do in that your sins ARE forgiven… you need to do your part and accept it!

I would suggest going and findind a eucharistic adoration chapel in your area and spend a few minutes looking at Him and see how far He came to help bring you to Himself.

God bless!

 

[Zekariya]

Today I did my long needed confession for many bad things I have done, one of them was taking the Eucharist while in the state of Mortal sin and other bad stuff. I remember when I was younger after confessing I felt light as a feather and very happy that I was forgiven. Now I did not feel better after confessing though the father was very nice and respectful and told me that I do not need to do penance but to pray for those who are lost. He did say the “I absolve you from your sins” part. I believe those words to be true yet I feel terrible as if I was not forgiven. Is this a normal feeling I am having? and what can I do to feel better?

Thanks for helping me in advance!

It is a feeling. Our feelings betray us. You repented of your sins and the priest absolved you. You are forgiven. You feelings don’t dictate whether or not you are forgiven. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all iniquity.” Trust Christ’s faithfulness.

 

[2HeartsSlave]

Dear friend, our Faith is not based on feelings, but knowledge. No, this doesn’t make you feel better, but maybe it can bring you peace. You ARE forgiven!
Remember what father said, “go in peace.”

 

[Agape_et_Shalom]

After my return I had the same feeling. My priest suggested daily Mass and it’s made a huge difference. I don’t like starting my day without Him.

 

[Limerickman]

There are times when I leave the Confession Box feeling the same way as the OP does.

It might be because having attended Confession, I remember a sin that I haven’t confessed.
Or it might be because I didn’t give the priest a full and frank description of each and every sin that I confessed to.

However, I know in my heart that my endeavour to seek forgiveness for my sins in Confession is sincere and that helps me deal with my feelings.

 

[Julian0404]

With your feeling of sorrow, sadness or not being happy upon the completion of your confession, then I would suggest you mediate on three possiblities.

1. You did not prepare well and you know of serious sin that you did not confess
2. You do not understand well and in fact have false expectations
3. You have been honest and confessed truthfully and faithfully, but not satan is trying to return your soul to his control by confusing you - this would be 2b.

If the first is true - return to confession.
If the first is false - begin a study of the faith and strengthen that which is lacking. I would suggest going on line with You Tube and seeking out videos of Stephen Ray, Peter Kreeft, Father Larry Richards, the late Bishop Sheen - as well as reading the catechism cover to cover - a little each day.
And as to the third, regardless, I would suggest you pray the rosary daily, asking for the protection of the HOLY Mother against satan as it is She who will destroy him in the end times.