would any level of contrition matter?
Certainly, ideally Full, Perfect Contrition … but, its the Priest upon hearing one’s confession that makes the conclusion if the confession is adequate.
I’ve had a Priest recently tell me at the end of my spoken Act of Contrition … that my contrition was not ideal, and to give it another go. Yes, it was embarrassing, for I really was fully contrite … but, I was using the standard language of the Act of Contrition, and he wanted to hear my contrition stated in my own words, & with more feeling/emotion.
After I did so, he was satisfied … and I received full absolution & NO PENANCE !! Now, that kind of bothered me. I expected some penance, especially since I had told him up front that I had already confessed my Mortals to Christ … but, saw the need to confess to Priest ASAP, & to serve assigned Penance. Yet, he gave me none !
But, according to scripture & Church teaching … that’s his perogative & Christ accepts what he ‘looses’ .
