Purpose of restitution

[divinefaith]

This might sound too general:

Is the purpose of restitution (or reparation) to repair the damage we caused to another? or is the purpose to also let go of every advantages we got out of our sin?

 

[bmullins]

This might sound too general:

Is the purpose of restitution (or reparation) to repair the damage we caused to another? or is the purpose to also let go of every advantages we got out of our sin?

I think it’s both and more. By giving it back or restoring it you not only help ease the damage you’ve caused another, you also help ease the damage you’ve caused to yourself. I find that many of our practices have healing effects that we don’t even see. Sometimes during the moment of restitution someone else witnesses it, and that person too receives a blessing/calling. It can have many levels of healing, healing people that we don’t even realize are involved.

 

[Spencerian]

This might sound too general:

Is the purpose of restitution (or reparation) to repair the damage we caused to another? or is the purpose to also let go of every advantages we got out of our sin?

What you ask is also the very heart of the purpose of Purgatory. We sin, we go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for forgiveness of sins. But there may still be the effects of the act of which the sin has been forgiven that needs restitution/reparation. There is the temporal and physical effects of the sin here on Earth (say, a victim you struck with a car while texting) and spiritual (the effects of sin on your soul, despite confession to restore your grace).

Karl Keating’s analogy works here: A child is handed a glass of milk to drink but drops it and makes a big mess. The child says, “I’m sorry,” and the mom accepts the apology. But the mess is still there and must be cleaned up.

Whether the mess is repayment of a debt, or the seemingly impossible process of atonement for a murder, sin leaves an aftereffect on the victim and perpetrator. Indulgences help the perpetrator reduce the “time” needed to clean up such blemishes caused to your spirit in Purgatory after we die. While on Earth, the process of restitution in whatever way is available to us may also be helpful, not just to our victims but for ourselves.

 

[ahs]

+1 on all the above. I have found reparation for sin to be very alleviating personally. When I wrong someone and then go, not only to apologize, but make whatever reparation is possible (returning something stolen, publically denouncing a falsehood spoken, doing a good deed in place of a foul deed I had committed… ) I actually FEEL better…like a weight is lifted or like my soul is releived of some discomfort. So, it is just as much for the person who sinned, as it is for the person sinned against.

 

[KenChute]

Sometimes as well its a civil matter depending on the circumstance.

 

[divinefaith]

Thanks to all your posts

I know that restitution is normally aimed for sins involving injustice e.g. stealing,fruad, detraction etc.
But with other sins, I question whether we are/are not called to give up the advantages we get out of the sin.
Take for instance a man who has a vasectomy. From what I know, after reconciliation he does not have to give up the benefit of having sexual relations with his wife despite the result of his surgery.

This is just an example, my concern isnt about the birth control topic. I’m generally talking about whether or not reparation would involve tossing all the results we get out of sin.

 

[ahs]

That’s an interesting way to look at vasectomy, but I think reparation is made in different ways. The husband not being able to have sex anymore would also punish his wife, and prevent them from “rendering the marital debt” as well. So, his “reparation” would actually harm another person and the unitive aspect of his marriage.

Personally, I think that such a man, in his old age, would look back and know that he could have had more children…and will long for them…and that will be the suffering/reparation he pays. (This assumes he has gone to confession, made a firm purpose of amendment, etc… ). Just my thoughts, though.

 

[bmullins]

If he were really concerned about it, he could make reparation by getting it reversed.

 

[ajaffres]

He could get it reversed depending on the timeline and the likelihood of success. If he truly repents, and if God wills it. He can still be open to life. Nothing is impossible for God. Another way of restitution would be to be open to adoption or become a foster parent.

Now, on the general topic of restitution. If one has gone through confession for being involved with a married person (adultery) and made penance. Then, has tried to contact the person to ask for forgiveness (many years later) and that person doesn’t respond. How can this person get rid of the guilt. Is that restitution enough? When God asks us to avoid sin, would he expect us to exclude persons from our lives or would he call us to mend those relationships and live them the way he originally intended them to be. (Platonic friendship in this case).