Perfect Contrition

[punisherthunder]

I try to look at it as “don’t think about hell”. Do we know it exists? Absolutely.

But when you dwell on it, that could muddle the contrition. Always go to confession not thinking about hell, but go for God’s love.

 

[Bookcat]

I try to look at it as “don’t think about hell”. Do we know it exists? Absolutely.

But when you dwell on it, that could muddle the contrition. Always go to confession not thinking about hell, but go for God’s love.

Actually one can do both. And since imperfect contrition suffices in confession - including “hell” as implicit part (I am at least sorry out of fear of hell or the lose of heaven…) can actually be the good way to go. Then from there one seeks perfect contrition as well.

Or at least it is simply implicit.

Note for example the typical form given by the Church that can (but not required) used includes both.

 

[ltravis]

As I understand it, it takes perfect contrition to be forgiven, which is the means by which those without access to the sacrament can still be forgiven. However, it is difficult to be sure we have perfect contrition and we can fool ourselves, so Jesus gives us the sacrament through which he treats us as if we have perfect contrition anyway, thus assuring us our forgiveness. I think, though, that we still have to at least intend on being perfectly contrite, otherwise we would be lying when we recite the act of contrition.

LT

 

[Bookcat]

I think, though, that we still have to at least intend on being perfectly contrite, otherwise we would be lying when we recite the act of contrition.

LT

One need not use that form of the “act of contrition”.

In confession - imperfect contrition suffices.

It is of course very good that we seek also to have perfect contrition.

 

[ltravis]

One need not use that form of the “act of contrition”.

In confession - imperfect contrition suffices.

It is of course very good that we seek also to have perfect contrition.

Thanks for the clarification.