Hitting it Right with Confession

[Truthstalker]

I get the impression from some that it is almost impossible to perform a mortal sin, as the requirements for committing one are so strenuous that it is difficult. But from others I get the impression one can barely breathe without committing a mortal sin, particularly if you list pride or envy or lust or something as something you constantly struggle with.

To me sin is deceitful. Part of its power is its ability to hide, and its power for me to make sure it stays hidden, usually by my own will. So a strenuous search for mortal sin may turn up empty, or with only a token sin that’s mortal that will cover all the others.

How can you be sure you did a good confession?

 

[jmcrae]

How can you be sure you did a good confession?

If you did not knowingly and deliberately conceal a mortal sin, and if the priest gives you the Absolution, then you have made a good Confession.

If you just forgot something, you can mention it next time, but realize that you are already forgiven of that sin when you said “For these and for all the sins of my life …” etc. and he gave you the Absolution.

Keep in mind, the purpose of our Confession is to say sorry to God because we have offended Him. God isn’t standing there with a clip board checking off whether you are sorry enough - He is joyfully running to meet you, welcome you back, and give you new shoes, a new coat, and a “Welcome Home” party. (see Luke 15)

:dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing:

 

[Truthstalker]

knowingly and deliberately

That’s the kicker…“The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked.” Can anyone actually be absolutely honest with themselves?

Do you ask God for prevenient grace in identifying sin and making a good confession? Like everything else in the Christian life, I think you cannot do this under your own power.

 

[jmcrae]

That’s the kicker…“The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked.” Can anyone actually be absolutely honest with themselves?

We are not Existentialists. We can trust the evidence of our senses. We can know ourselves, and we can know our own intentions. If you do not intend to lie, then you will not lie. You might forget something, or misspeak, but God doesn’t worry about that. God is glad to see you, and wants you home.

If you keep on in the Existentialist way, you’ll make yourself crazy.

Do you ask God for prevenient grace in identifying sin and making a good confession? Like everything else in the Christian life, I think you cannot do this under your own power.

Yes, I do. I also pray the St. Michael prayer for protection from Satan. I find that it helps.

 

[LilyM]

I get the impression from some that it is almost impossible to perform a mortal sin, as the requirements for committing one are so strenuous that it is difficult. But from others I get the impression one can barely breathe without committing a mortal sin, particularly if you list pride or envy or lust or something as something you constantly struggle with.

To me sin is deceitful. Part of its power is its ability to hide, and its power for me to make sure it stays hidden, usually by my own will. So a strenuous search for mortal sin may turn up empty, or with only a token sin that’s mortal that will cover all the others.

How can you be sure you did a good confession?

God is the best and most perfectly loving of fathers. He wants us to be with him, he wants to free us from the bondage of sin by means of our self-awareness, self-improvement and his great gift of the sacrament of confession. None of these aims are achieved if he harshly and unfairly damns us for sins that we are genuinely unaware of.

If we make a sincere effort to examine our consciences, and ask for His guidance to uncover everything in which we have sinned, so that we may confess properly, he won’t let us be steered far wrong.

Read the Gospels about the prodigal son. I think it speaks volumes that the father actually goes out to meet his son on the road as he is returning - so God is willing, to a considerable degree, to meet us exactly where we’re at. Not so we stay there, but to help us reach higher and become better.

There are some pretty good examination of conscience guides that are very helpful as well. Personally I really like the one written by Fr Robert Altier

By the way, most Catholics don’t believe that people are inherently terribly wicked or self-deceiving or anything - simply that we have tendencies in that direction. Christ said to the woman who anointed his feet ‘many sins are forgiven her because she has loved much’.

And I think that’s the key and the saving trait of humankind, that we are capable of great love for God as well as each other. As long as this is our strongest guiding characteristic (and I pray every day that he makes it so for me!) again, we won’t go too far wrong when it comes to sin or to confession.

 

[Andruschak]

I
How can you be sure you did a good confession?

Would not that depend on the person AND the Priest? On 14 February I did my first confession. 55 years worth of sin. Did I cover everything in that hour? Not really. But did I get all the big stuff out? Yes, and especially the two items the Moderators would be very unhappy with me if I mentioned them openly. I cried half-way throughAt the end of the hour I was given a complete absolution, as well as penance.

Now, as an RCIA Candidate, I may get a chance for a short “general” confession before Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.

Not to worry. In July I will be going to the Confraternity of Penitents Retreat and Conferance. I have already made arrangments with the Priest for another session of confession, maybe two or more. A true T-crossing I-dotting thorough confession, along with Counseling and Spiritual Direction.

In general, if the Priest says you did a good job and is willing to give the absolution, and if you did your honest best, my OPINION is that it was a good confession