Imperfect contrition

[CatholicSpirit]

Regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation: as I understand it, a person motivated to confess their mortal sins, but in doing so in that state of mind is more-less concerning a “fear of hell” rather than an apology to God reduces the sincerity of the contrition? With these rules, to be honest, it’s hard to figure out forgiveness at the end of the day. I always thought if you feel bad, notice mortal sins you’ve committed, attempted confession because of shame and fearing hell, you were in good standing. Then, there’s the part about repeating the offense, I get lost there. Say for example, you lied to your wife about where you went one night because she is neurotic (nothing bad, just trying to avoid a fight about stopping by a friend she doesn’t like’s house), so to save the marriage you made something up temporarily. And you are likely to lie to her again at some point, she’s a little “off” and maybe so are you. I still think the sacrament of reconciliation (for that first lie) is a great idea. Is that wrong? The last thing anyone wants to find out at the end of their lives there is some “that confession piece didn’t count buddy” mark near any attempts. Let me know if anyone sees where this average joe trying to get right with The Lord on doing stupid things is coming from. Also, of course it’s an apology and reaching out for some backup on various issues. Thanks in advance!

-CatholicSpirit-

 

[Bookcat]

Catechism:

1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.51

1453 The contrition called “imperfect” (or “attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.52

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#1492

A few notes:

Take with your Priest - lies can be mortal - but they are often venial sins in ordinary life…but he can direct you. See also the Catechism on lies.

2484 The gravity of a lie is measured against the nature of the truth it deforms, the circumstances, the intentions of the one who lies, and the harm suffered by its victims. If a lie in itself only constitutes a venial sin, it becomes mortal when it does grave injury to the virtues of justice and charity.

(another example is where the Catechism talks about perjury - such is grave)

scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a8.htm#2484

Contrition can be real - without any particular “feeling”.

Now yes one has to be amended …that is part of it. For mortal sins that amendment is to extent to --well all mortal sin. One resolves not to do such - period. One does not mess with death.

It is important to note that the purpose of amendment for venial sins need not be the same as that for mortal sins.

If I confess murder I need to have the amendment of intending to not murder anyone…not commit any mortal sin.

But if I confess say venial sins that I say commit often …I can be amended to working on making them less …of seeking to be better about that matter (that is one example of purpose of amendment in terms of venial sins)…

(and of course not confess some venial sin one is not sorry for…but pray for help to be sorry).

Though of course let us more and more “repent” and believe the gospel!

Your Priest can advise you - talk with him.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

We must have contrition, i.e., sorrow, for our sins. Contrition can be perfect or imperfect, as already noted. Imperfect Contrition is enough for absolution.

We should also have a "firm purpose of amendment," a desire to avoid sin in the future. There is no need to over-analyze this. Although we may anticipate that we will inevitably commit some sin in the future, we must try to avoid sin.

 

[CatholicSpirit]

Here are good things I gathered, but I want to make sure I understand. The Holy Spirit prompted me to go to confession, which is good, and, my confession was good to the point of being completely forgiven (obtaining absolution) on that basis?

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Sounds accurate to me. Of course, the standard advice would be to find an experienced confessor and discuss the Sacrament with him.

 

[bardegaulois]

Imperfect contrition is sufficient for a confession. However, we must note that this must be a supernatural imperfect contrition. So some criteria are in order. First, we must have an intense dislike for our sin and a deep distress that our sin has been a breach of God’s law - that is to say, it must be real contrition, even if not perfect. Second, we must have a supernatural sorrow for our sin. It must stem from a supernatural grace and a supernatural motive - and the desire even to make a confession likely suffices for this. So, even if we confess with only an imperfect love for God, a love of God not for His own sake but because He is good to us, or a desire for high moral standards, or a sense that our sins were ugly in God’s sight, we are fine. This sorrow can be said to be the beginning of love for God, and we know that He is merciful. If absolution were reserved only for those possessing a perfect love for God, then we’d all be in real trouble. So, if we confess with sorrow for our sins and an imperfect contrition, hoping for God’s forgiveness, then we can be assured that God will pardon us and instill in us the grace necessary to make our contrition more perfect over time.

The Imitation of Christ tells us that it is better to feel compunction than to know how to define it, though. It behooves us most not to question how perfect our contrition may be, and simply confess nonetheless. To shrink from the tribunal of mercy because we cannot answer the question of the nature of our contrition only withholds from us the grace of God that desires to make through us a perfect act of contrition and love.

As for your specific example, confess the sin, and discuss the circumstances surrounding it briefly with the priest. He may have some counsel that can help you in such situations, and it is wise for you to accept it as though coming directly from Christ.

 

[InOmnemTerram]

And you are likely to lie to her again at some point, she’s a little “off” and maybe so are you.

This sounds like a wonderful thing to discuss with your Confessor.

Rules are there as a help from the Church to help us ensure we have the proper interior disposition. They’re not there to catch us out or to make some exterior technicality the bar for our salvation. Bear your heart before the Lord, and His Priest will help you when there are obstacles.