Is it wrong if...

[Monica4316]

I know that it’s not a good idea to postpone Confession…I have the opportunity to go to Confession today, but I was thinking of going instead on Tuesday, because I don’t feel prepared at all to make a good Confession. I think I need to do some more prayers for a deeper repentance and knowledge of my sins. Also, I’m supposed to find a confessor, and I was thinking of going to the priest on Tuesday for Confession, because he gives really good advice.

I read in a book by St John Vianney that it’s important to prepare for Confession and that a person can make a bad confession by saying everything but not being repentant for it (I mean in the will, not the feelings). I definitely don’t seem prepared today.

This would mean that I can’t receive the Eucharist tomorrow at Mass, but I was thinking of going to daily Mass next week so I could go on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday…

I don’t know… I can’t really decide. Thought I’d ask here. Any thoughts?

 

[brgregmack]

If you don’t feel prepared and ready, I think you’re wise not to go. This could be a movement of the Holy Spirit calling you to grow even further in perfection.

I myself am in a similar situation. I could go today, but I’ll be making a Crusillo next weekend, where I’ll be able to take advantage.

Christ’s peace

 

[lena28]

I really understand where you are coming from with the agonising decision making. It feels like every choice is wrong.
I think it depends on how you feel personally. If going to Confession not as prepared as you could be will be damaging (like you will agonise over whether you did it right or committed a sin) then I would go on Tuesday.

Sorry I can’t be of more help. I can’t imagine that postponing Confession is a sin if you have good intentions (making the best possible Confession)

Maybe check with other points of view though, I may be wrong!

 

[Monica4316]

thank you for the replies

well I guess I’m going on Tuesday because it’s too late now anyways… I dont know, I feel peace about that, because I really think I should prepare more and pray.

 

[puzzleannie]

I know that it’s not a good idea to postpone Confession…I have the opportunity to go to Confession today, but I was thinking of going instead on Tuesday, because I don’t feel prepared at all to make a good Confession. I think I need to do some more prayers for a deeper repentance and knowledge of my sins. A

so take another 10 minutes for an examination of conscience, beginning with a prayer to the Holy Spirit. That is the preparation you need. Making excuses can become a trap and means to delaying confession especially if you feel it is needed to the extent you cannot receive communion.

 

[Monica4316]

so take another 10 minutes for an examination of conscience, beginning with a prayer to the Holy Spirit. That is the preparation you need. Making excuses can become a trap and means to delaying confession especially if you feel it is needed to the extent you cannot receive communion.

I don’t know if I can do this in 10 minutes unfortunately I’m going through a lot of confusion at this time

 

[puzzleannie]

I don’t know if I can do this in 10 minutes unfortunately I’m going through a lot of confusion at this time

well then do what you can in 15 minutes but don’t use it as an excuse to postpone confession if you need it. If you invoke the Holy Spirit he will prepare you.

for those who find this a problem consider the worthy practice of the daily examen. Not the same as a daily examination of conscience, it goes further. Takes about 15 minutes.
pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment
review the events of the day (last 24 hours if you do this in the middle of the day)
call to mind the feelings that arise from the events–contrition, joy, gratitude, resentment, negative as well as positive.
pray from one of these feelings
make a resolution for tomorrow
say an act of contrition and the Our Father.

if this is a regular daily practice you will never be in a condition of not remembering your sins or thinking you have nothing to confess.

 

[GwenL]

If you are in a state of mortal sin, go to confession NOW. I assume the state of mortal sin because you said that you could not receive Holy Communion. Go NOW, confess the mortal sin(s), get yourself back into a state of grace. Being in a state of mortal sin means that you have voluntarily, knowingly separated yourself from God’s grace. Voluntarily extending the time you spend in that state seems to me risky and unwise. Especially if confession is available and you voluntarily skip it.

If the priest Tuesday is a good advisor, go again! Go for the quality then. I understand what you are saying; I have a regular confessor who is wonderful. But being in a state of mortal sin is an emergency. What if a truck hits you?