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Lost_Wanderer
Guest
In the words of Morpheus, “What is ‘real’?”
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Lady_Marchmain
Guest
The Sacrament of Confession is administered to living human beings in this life by a priest, whence you receive absolution for your sins. This is why the Church stresses frequent confession, so you don’t “die suddenly” in a state of mortal sin.
As for what happens once you leave this earthly realm, well, all we can say really is we are all at the mercy of God. Confession in the meaning of a Sacrament is irrelevant once you’re dead, although the Anointing may be administered. Usually it is, such as in sudden death, a priest is still called even though the body is dead. You won’t need to confess once you’re beyond the pale, believe me, He’ll know and you’ll be saying, “I’m sorry!” This is where most of us will be in the same boat.
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NeedImprovement
Guest
Hi Andrew1992.
Although you used the word “confess” , I believe what you may be hinting at is the matter of “final repentance” - arguably the most critical of eschatological points for any Catholic … actually for anyone.
It looks as if you may be wondering whether at the (unanticipated/sudden) final moment of one’s earthly life, one will still be able to repent for sins one never had the opportunity to confess sacramentally. I think one answer to that question is in your original post : How could God ever refuse any opportunity to accommodate one so intent on getting to Heaven to hug Him ? The Curé of Ars - St. John Vianney , said, “God is quicker to pardon a repentant sinner than a mother is to snatch her baby from a fire.”
Even when a priest can’t be present at the approach of death , the indulgence usually granted (during the anointing) when the priest imparts the apostolic blessing to the one who is dying , can still be gained by the faithful simply by desiring/requesting it ; provided they prayed regularly in some way during their life.
The **Handbook of Indulgences ** sys it this way:
*"Priests who administer the sacraments to the Christian faithful who are in a life-and-death situation should not neglect to impart to them the apostolic blessing, with its attached indulgence.
But if a priest cannot be present, Holy Mother Church lovingly grants such persons who are rightly disposed a plenary indulgence to be obtained in articulo mortis, at the approach of death, provided they regularly prayed in some way during their lifetime. The use of a crucifix or a cross is recommended in obtaining this plenary indulgence. In such a situation the three usual conditions required in order to gain a plenary indulgence are substituted for by the condition “provided they regularly prayed in some way.” The Christian faithful can obtain the plenary indulgence mentioned here as death approaches (in articulo mortis) even if they had already obtained another plenary indulgence that same day*".
It’s based on the revision in the Apostolic Constitution of Pope Paul VI
INDULGENTIARUM DOCTRINA ; Chapter 5; Norms - 18
n.18—To the faithful in danger of death who cannot be assisted by a priest to bring them the sacraments and impart the apostolic blessing with its attendant plenary indulgence (according to canon 468, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law) Holy Mother Church nevertheless grants a plenary indulgence to be acquired at the point of death, provided they are properly disposed and have been in the habit of reciting some prayers during their lifetime. To use a crucifix or cross in connection with the acquisition of this plenary indulgence is a laudable practice.
This plenary indulgence at the point of death can be acquired by the faithful even if they have already obtained another plenary indulgence on the same day.
You might find this recent thread entitled Should we take the mortal sin dogma seriously beneficial. Most of us who participated in it came away better informed. It’s only 3 pages . In several spots the thread hits a couple of bumps or snags, but it serves to clear up several misconceptions related to dying in a state of mortal sin, expounds upon God’s Mercy;
… and… , the best part - all the yelling has already been done for you.
God bless.
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yinekka
Guest
We won’t be able to hug God in heaven, presuming we make it, because God doesn’t have a body. When we get out resurrected bodies we may be able to hug Jesus, Mary and the saints. We won’t be able to hug the angels because they are spirits and don’t have bodies but since God permitted at least three of them to appear in human form it might be possible for an angel to receive permission to assume a body for a hug.
Fr Brian Mulady OP told a lovely story. He was visiting a nun who was dying of cancer and in the course of their conversation she told him that she imagined herself wearing a wedding dress and seeing Jesus at the end of a lovely path. She said that she saw herself running down the path and just jumping into His arms.
I love the picture of Jesus welcoming the sinner. I think of it either at the General Judgement or after we have received absolution in confession. Fr Fernandez in In Conversation With God
has a beautiful image of Jesus waiting at the gates of heaven for us saying “here she/he comes!” and being so happy to welcome us. The theology of heaven or reconciliation can sometimes be a little dry and by calling up images we can come to an understanding and appreciation with both our mind and heart.
Fr Brian Mulady OP told a lovely story. He was visiting a nun who was dying of cancer and in the course of their conversation she told him that she imagined herself wearing a wedding dress and seeing Jesus at the end of a lovely path. She said that she saw herself running down the path and just jumping into His arms.
I love the picture of Jesus welcoming the sinner. I think of it either at the General Judgement or after we have received absolution in confession. Fr Fernandez in In Conversation With God
has a beautiful image of Jesus waiting at the gates of heaven for us saying “here she/he comes!” and being so happy to welcome us. The theology of heaven or reconciliation can sometimes be a little dry and by calling up images we can come to an understanding and appreciation with both our mind and heart.
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Monica4316
Guest
Confession only happens on earth… but if you simply COULDN’T make it to Confession, yet intended to, - we leave that to God’s mercy… as long as you are repentant and intend to confess your sins asap, - if you die before that time, I think the Church teaching is that you can be forgiven. The problem is if a person doesn’t repent, or puts off confession. (because this could show a lack of repentance and contrition as well). It’s a good idea to simply pray that God would give you the grace of dying with the Sacraments
look into the First Friday devotion, that could help. Don’t be afraid but trust God. also, always strive for perfect contrition (that means contrition simply for having offended God, rather than fear of hell) - because this is how sins could be forgiven without Confession. (Yet this is not a reason to not go to Confession here on earth, as we don’t really know if our contrition is perfect or not). Hope that is not too confusing In fact Jesus does have a Body, - His glorified Body in Heaven. It is still real and physical, just glorified.
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Prod_Daughter
Guest
I dream of the moment when I get to see Jesus in Heaven. (God willing
) I can’t wait to throw my arms around Him.
) I can’t wait to throw my arms around Him.
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uglygal
Guest
How about giving someone around you who may lonely or going through a hard time a hug? I’m sure they need it more than god does
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Little_One0307
Guest
“Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” - Jesus.
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Monica4316
Guest
Jesus does need it
this can be difficult to understand but He is lonely too. And He is glad when we help others who are lonely. It’s also true what LittleOne posted.God bless! and here’s a hug for you :hug1:
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Little_One0307
Guest
Posting your comment made me think of this picture. I had to share it with you guys. I don’t share many pics, but I have this one on my desktop now.Jesus does need it
God bless! and here’s a hug for you :hug1:
God bless.
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Monica4316
Guest
wow! so beautiful and so sad.
It reminds me of this quote that I wanted to share. (from the book “He and I” by Gabrielle Bossis. This is a private revelation from Jesus).
"Oh, My dear children - Love that is unloved… how deep a wound, this wound that I bear! Comfort, rest, help Love. Give everything to Love, poor as you are. Lean on My Heart, and the burden of you will be My joy…"
It reminds me of this quote that I wanted to share. (from the book “He and I” by Gabrielle Bossis. This is a private revelation from Jesus).
"Oh, My dear children - Love that is unloved… how deep a wound, this wound that I bear! Comfort, rest, help Love. Give everything to Love, poor as you are. Lean on My Heart, and the burden of you will be My joy…"
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NeedImprovement
Guest
Jesus does need it
God bless! and here’s a hug for you :hug1:
While we are on this earth , one of the best ways we can hug God is in the Holy Eucharist. Helping others who are lonely is often a natural extension of this.
We shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that loving Him in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar isn’t a consolation to Him. That would be seriously underestimating just how dearly God holds our love for Him ; and underestimating His infinite humility.
From the words of the Angel of Fatima :
Memoirs of Lucia/Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association:
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We should believe Jesus can hug us in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar since he is entirely and wholly present: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
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Belle10
Guest
I often think to myself how much I wish I could hug Jesus right now. In moments of sadness and joy, it would just be so wonderful!
Because of what Jesus told St. Faustina, I often think about nestling close to His Heart immediately after receiving Him in Holy Communion.
Because of what Jesus told St. Faustina, I often think about nestling close to His Heart immediately after receiving Him in Holy Communion.
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NeedImprovement
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He also often gave St. Faustina the image (and privilege) of holding Him as a small child ; (sometimes, also “immediately after receiving Him in Holy Communion” , )
Some other quotes from St. Faustina’s Diary :
Divine Mercy in My Soul
Diary - Sr. Faustina Notebook 2
**566 **
One day, after Holy Communion, I suddenly saw the Infant Jesus standing by my kneeler and holding on to it with His two little hands. Although He was but a little Child, my soul was filled with awe and fear, for I see in Him my Judge, my Lord, and my Creator, before whose holiness the Angels tremble. At the same time, my soul was flooded with such unspeakable love that I thought I would die under its influence. I now see that Jesus first strengthens my soul and makes it capable of abiding with Him, for otherwise I would not be able to bear what I experience at such a moment.
… and several more taken from her diary for this article Divine Mercy News ; St. Faustina’s Dearest treasure- The Child Jesus
When I arrived at Midnight Mass, from the very beginning I steeped myself in deep recollection, during which time I saw the stable of Bethlehem filled with great radiance. The Blessed Virgin, all lost in the deepest of love, was wrapping Jesus in swaddling clothes, but Saint Joseph was still asleep. Only after the Mother of God put Jesus in the manger did the light of God awaken Joseph, who also prayed. But after a while, I was left alone with the Infant Jesus who stretched out His little hands to me, and I understood that I was to take Him in my arms. Jesus pressed His head against my heart and gave me to know, by His profound gaze, how good He found it to be next to my heart (Diary of St. Faustina, 1442).
… I saw the Infant Jesus near my kneeler. He appeared to be about one year old, and He asked me to take Him in my arms. When I did take Him in my arms, He cuddled up close to my bosom and said, “It is good for Me to be close to your heart. … Because I want to teach you spiritual childhood. I want you to be very little, because when you are little, I carry you close to My Heart, just as you are holding Me close to your heart right now” (Diary, 1481).
)Some other quotes from St. Faustina’s Diary :
Divine Mercy in My Soul
Diary - Sr. Faustina Notebook 2
**566 **
One day, after Holy Communion, I suddenly saw the Infant Jesus standing by my kneeler and holding on to it with His two little hands. Although He was but a little Child, my soul was filled with awe and fear, for I see in Him my Judge, my Lord, and my Creator, before whose holiness the Angels tremble. At the same time, my soul was flooded with such unspeakable love that I thought I would die under its influence. I now see that Jesus first strengthens my soul and makes it capable of abiding with Him, for otherwise I would not be able to bear what I experience at such a moment.
… and several more taken from her diary for this article Divine Mercy News ; St. Faustina’s Dearest treasure- The Child Jesus
When I arrived at Midnight Mass, from the very beginning I steeped myself in deep recollection, during which time I saw the stable of Bethlehem filled with great radiance. The Blessed Virgin, all lost in the deepest of love, was wrapping Jesus in swaddling clothes, but Saint Joseph was still asleep. Only after the Mother of God put Jesus in the manger did the light of God awaken Joseph, who also prayed. But after a while, I was left alone with the Infant Jesus who stretched out His little hands to me, and I understood that I was to take Him in my arms. Jesus pressed His head against my heart and gave me to know, by His profound gaze, how good He found it to be next to my heart (Diary of St. Faustina, 1442).
… I saw the Infant Jesus near my kneeler. He appeared to be about one year old, and He asked me to take Him in my arms. When I did take Him in my arms, He cuddled up close to my bosom and said, “It is good for Me to be close to your heart. … Because I want to teach you spiritual childhood. I want you to be very little, because when you are little, I carry you close to My Heart, just as you are holding Me close to your heart right now” (Diary, 1481).
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Monica4316
Guest
That is very true!
While we are on this earth , one of the best ways we can hug God is in the Holy Eucharist. Helping others who are lonely is often a natural extension of this.
We shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that loving Him in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar isn’t a consolation to Him. That would be seriously underestimating just how dearly God holds our love for Him ; and underestimating His infinite humility.
From the words of the Angel of Fatima :
.
We should believe Jesus can hug us in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar since he is entirely and wholly present: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
When we receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist He is so close to us I believe He would want us to trust that and to really reach out to Him during that time… not be indifferentI do as wellI often think to myself how much I wish I could hug Jesus right now. In moments of sadness and joy, it would just be so wonderful!
Because of what Jesus told St. Faustina, I often think about nestling close to His Heart immediately after receiving Him in Holy Communion.
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Winter_Rose
Guest
I was thinking the very same just now. I’m sure Father God loves giving his children hugs. It would probably feel lovely and warm like sunshine on a summers day. :hug1::heaven:
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nuntym
Guest
+JMJ+
This is the simplest prayer I have right now, which I do countless times everyday. It is to see God’s Will in everything that happens to me, especially the distressing times like when I am tempted or even fall into sin, or something “bad” happens like accidents or whatnot. But of course His Will is also in the good times too
For example, I might get into the temptation of lingering at a racy picture. I would recognize it as a temptation and look away immediately. But then I also remember that everything that happens in my life God always permits it with His Will, including letting me get tempted and even fall into sin. He does not actively brings temptation to me nor does He make me sin, but He lets the temptation or sin happen, and He also does not let them get worse. So I let my heart and mind I turn toward God’s Will and let them go to Him in a running tackle shouting “There you are Jesus!”, sorrowfully if it was sin, joyfully if it was temptation and everything else.
An old thread, but a very good one!
This is the simplest prayer I have right now, which I do countless times everyday. It is to see God’s Will in everything that happens to me, especially the distressing times like when I am tempted or even fall into sin, or something “bad” happens like accidents or whatnot. But of course His Will is also in the good times too
For example, I might get into the temptation of lingering at a racy picture. I would recognize it as a temptation and look away immediately. But then I also remember that everything that happens in my life God always permits it with His Will, including letting me get tempted and even fall into sin. He does not actively brings temptation to me nor does He make me sin, but He lets the temptation or sin happen, and He also does not let them get worse. So I let my heart and mind I turn toward God’s Will and let them go to Him in a running tackle shouting “There you are Jesus!”, sorrowfully if it was sin, joyfully if it was temptation and everything else.
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turtle18
Guest
Well, I guess we could all be called Jesus-huggers. Which is preferable to tree-huggers.
I wonder after the Resurrection, how long will the line be to give Jesus a hug? Of course, we will have all eternity to wait. (sometimes, I like to think that is what purgatory is-standing in line to wipe the feet of Jesus with our tears.)
But in all seriousness, the Blessed Mother can assist you with this. Just ask her to give her son a kiss and hug for you and say a Hail Mary. She is there body and soul with Him so she actually has the capacity to do it!
I wonder after the Resurrection, how long will the line be to give Jesus a hug? Of course, we will have all eternity to wait. (sometimes, I like to think that is what purgatory is-standing in line to wipe the feet of Jesus with our tears.)
But in all seriousness, the Blessed Mother can assist you with this. Just ask her to give her son a kiss and hug for you and say a Hail Mary. She is there body and soul with Him so she actually has the capacity to do it!
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