I don't feel repentant.. Question about confession

[crenfro]

Hello.

(In regard to bookcat’s post) could you please provide me with some concrete examples as to which things in the examination I cited in my earlier post are “more opinion” or which need “further clarification?” And the process of how you came to such an opinion?

The examination of conscience I referred to in my earlier post is one of the clearest, most straightforward ones I’ve ever seen.

some things are more opinion or need further clarification and some things that could make those with scruples head south…

 

[Vimy_Ridge]

Up until a couple of months ago, I was faithfully attending Mass each Sunday and quite a few weekdays, and living life as a faithful Catholic to the best of my ability. Right now, however, the last time I attended Mass, or even tried to pray was Easter. I have had struggles with despair, loss of supernatural hope, and right now, I don’t have the smallest feeling of repentance or contrition or even attrition for my actions. I have tried, however. I desperately want to feel sorry for my sins and be able to make a confession with the proper disposition.

I know that perfect contrition is only required when absolution through the confessional is not available for forgiveness of sins, and that it only attrition is required for absolution to be pronounced in the context of the confessional. My question is this: even if I don’t feel sorry for my sins, but I desperately wish to feel sorry for them, is that enough for a valid (and non-sacrilegious… I already have committed enough sins) confession? Also, any advise on how to go about awakening contrition?

I can relate to your struggle. I’m a lapsed Catholic who is slowly coming back and confession is very hard for me. My problem is not so much feeling sorry for my sins but doubting if me resolution to not sin anymore is strong enough. I stopped going to confession because of this. You are not alone in your struggles.

 

[po18guy]

I can relate to your struggle. I’m a lapsed Catholic who is slowly coming back and confession is very hard for me. My problem is not so much feeling sorry for my sins but doubting if me resolution to not sin anymore is strong enough. I stopped going to confession because of this. You are not alone in your struggles.

I often wonder if there is anyone who confesses a different sin each time? Likely not, since the evil one knows the sin that we respond to, and seems to send temptation to those sins at the most opportune time. We are called to accept our limitations and weaknesses, to be at peace knowing that we are broken and weak. Not to be complacent, but to struggle, as we are on a spiritual battlefield. Saint Paul wrote of such in Ephesians 6:10-18, specifying exactly how we are to enter spiritual battle.

Only Satan wins when we stop partaking of the Sacrament. As well, the Priest cannot help you if he does not know what your sins are and how strongly they affect your daily life. He cannot call upon the Holy Spirit for the git of Counsel which will inspire you to greater strength.

 

[Vimy_Ridge]

I often wonder if there is anyone who confesses a different sin each time? Likely not, since the evil one knows the sin that we respond to, and seems to send temptation to those sins at the most opportune time. We are called to accept our limitations and weaknesses, to be at peace knowing that we are broken and weak. Not to be complacent, but to struggle, as we are on a spiritual battlefield. Saint Paul wrote of such in Ephesians 6:10-18, specifying exactly how we are to enter spiritual battle.

Only Satan wins when we stop partaking of the Sacrament. As well, the Priest cannot help you if he does not know what your sins are and how strongly they affect your daily life. He cannot call upon the Holy Spirit for the git of Counsel which will inspire you to greater strength.

I really hope that the Church changes the way that the Sacrament is done. I have often heard priests complain about how people come in with a “laundry list” of sins, referring to the number and kind, yet what do they expect from people when that is how we were instructed. This form of confession causes agony for those who are scrupulous or suffer from OCD and I’m sure it is awkward for the priest too.

 

[po18guy]

I really hope that the Church changes the way that the Sacrament is done. I have often heard priests complain about how people come in with a “laundry list” of sins, referring to the number and kind, yet what do they expect from people when that is how we were instructed. This form of confession causes agony for those who are scrupulous or suffer from OCD and I’m sure it is awkward for the priest too.

Have you asked your confessor for spiritual direction? A good confessor can recognize OCD or scrupulosity and offer good direction. If you experience difficulty where you are, visit another parish. Each priest has different gifts. This is a situation of seeking and finding.