Penance confusion (related to purity)

[holyghost]

Hey all,
I actually plan on raising this question to my priest when I go to confession next, as it is most likely best asked there, but I figured I would raise the concern here not only for the benefit of myself but perhaps others…
I received a penance to install an internet porn filter on my computer, and I complied with this penance, however the sinner I am, I found a way to get past the filter and fell into sins of purity. I confessed this whole situation again, and explained to the confessor that I would make the attempt to install it with no way for me to get around it.
Since that last confession, I have received communion, however I only just now was able to come up with a way to make it totally secure from now on. I’m assuming that as of now, that penance is completed, but I have since received communion in the process.
My question is: shall I bring this up in confession, that I have received communion in the process of completing this penance, or am I fine?
Thanks everyone for your time…I know, it’s just one more thing to add to the common struggle towards purity.

 

[markomalley]

Regardless of whether it is related to purity or something else, the act of satisfaction (your penance) is separate and distinct from the priest’s absolution. Once you hear the priest say “ego te absolvo a peccatis tuis in nomine Patris, et Filii, + et Spiritus Sancti” you have been forgiven and are in a state of grace (provided, of course, that were properly disposed to receive absolution and that you did not **intentionally **omit a sin from your confession)

You are obliged to fulfill the satisfaction you are given. And you promise to do so through your act of contrition (I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.). If you are unable to make the satisfaction assigned, then you should discuss that in the confessional before you leave. If you *intentionally *do not make the satisfaction, then I would think that you lied when you said the Act of Contrition. However, if did not *intentionally *not do your penance, or you tried and failed, I couldn’t see how that would be held against you (but I would still bring it up in your next confession).

Never the less, the absolution is NEVER contingent upon your completion of the satisfaction. Ever. Either you are absolved or you are not absolved. Period.

Having said the above, the devil always seeks to add despair to our sin. As well as shame. ("You know you aren’t REALLY forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation – you didn’t do X, Y, and Z…you are still MINE…((insert evil laugh here)) ). Don’t let the devil trick you like that.

 

[holyghost]

Regardless of whether it is related to purity or something else, the act of satisfaction (your penance) is separate and distinct from the priest’s absolution. Once you hear the priest say “ego te absolvo a peccatis tuis in nomine Patris, et Filii, + et Spiritus Sancti” you have been forgiven and are in a state of grace (provided, of course, that were properly disposed to receive absolution and that you did not **intentionally **omit a sin from your confession)

You are obliged to fulfill the satisfaction you are given. And you promise to do so through your act of contrition (I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.). If you are unable to make the satisfaction assigned, then you should discuss that in the confessional before you leave. If you *intentionally *do not make the satisfaction, then I would think that you lied when you said the Act of Contrition. However, if did not *intentionally *not do your penance, or you tried and failed, I couldn’t see how that would be held against you (but I would still bring it up in your next confession).

Never the less, the absolution is NEVER contingent upon your completion of the satisfaction. Ever. Either you are absolved or you are not absolved. Period.

Having said the above, the devil always seeks to add despair to our sin. As well as shame. ("You know you aren’t REALLY forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation – you didn’t do X, Y, and Z…you are still MINE…((insert evil laugh here)) ). Don’t let the devil trick you like that.

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut…I did not intentionally not do my penance, it’s more like I tried and failed to make the filter tamper proof (on 2 occasions). I think I am OK as I did not give up on the process, and did eventually figure out a way to make it tamper proof…with the help of God’s grace, I believe I finally responded to it.
Still, I will bring it up next week in the confessional. I’m definitely feeling the despair/shame/uncertainty that you speak of. It can be tricky but I know God’s mercy is greater.