On my Confession, its validity

  • Thread starter Thread starter Truth_Is_Great
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Truth_Is_Great

Guest
Hello all.

I am familiar in the Moral Theology section people do bring out issues such as these. I am also aware that ultimately, in complicated situations, the best thing to do is to ask one’s confessor. Nevertheless, some (name removed by moderator)ut here would be helpful.

That is: in my confession, when reciting the Act of Contrition prior to Absolution, I ‘thought’ about a dilemma that perhaps I should/should not inform the priest about (relating to an issue from a/some previous confession/s, i.e.: wondering that perhaps my sorrow was more ‘emotional’ that from true and from the soul) something. All the while I ‘tensed up’ with the feeling ‘‘You could well be committing a mortal sin’’. Just to note, this tense up feeling is not the first time i received it, ie; I have in instances where, let’s say for an example, I thought i was in a position to tell/ask my parents on something important, and just ‘didn’t’. (Sometimes, possibly, i think if i did act to get rid of such a tense up feeling, i would be acting more imprudently anyway). Any way that’s what happened in the confessional, and i received absolution, and at the time, it’s a strong possibility I did not have the requisite contrition, i.e.: in worrying. What’s more I left the confessional and went to kneel down and the priest was still in the confessional listening to other confessions. I thought I should go back in. Then I may have consented to cowardice, i.e.: what will others think of me, what will the priest think of me.

Now I wonder whether i should receive holy communion at the next Mass.

I realise this does soud scrupulous, but nevertheless, I think there is reason for valid concern. Agree?
 
(relating to an issue from a/some previous confession/s, i.e.: wondering that perhaps my sorrow was more ‘emotional’ that from true and from the soul)
Welcome, Truth Is Great! It’s good to have you with us.

What you have described is classic scrupulous thinking. There is one way, and only one way to help yourself get over it. That is to choose one confessor, open your soul to him concerning your scruples, and obey him in absolutely everything. You must never second-guess him or ask anyone else to do so. Because scrupulosity changes the way your conscience works, you will be told to do things that would not be right for non-scrupulous people. Don’t let that worry you - just obey! Obedience to one’s spiritual superior is always pleasing to God. The responsibility for any erroneous advice lies with the priest, but, I assure you, it is very unlikely that you will receive erroneous advice, no matter how unusual it may sound to you.

I want to address the quote above, just to settle your mind between now and the time you get to your priest. The wonderful thing about Confession is that just about any contrition is sufficient to make you eligible for forgiveness. You seem as if you are concerned that perfect contrition is necessary, which it is not. As long as your contrition refers in any way at all, no matter how remote, to God, you’re OK. Fear of God’s punishment is good enough, for example.

Please remember that God is not sitting in heaven looking for ways to send you to hell, in some cosmic game of GOTCHA! Rather, His love is so great for you that He is looking for ways to save you.

God bless you - now get to Confession ASAP, and tell the whole scrupulous story! Hey, it’s Saturday - how convenient!

Betsy
 
Thanks for the prompt reply.

Yes I already do have a single confessor, and he understands my…dispositions, shall we say.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top