Remembering Past Sins

[FAH]

After a prolonged absence from the Sacrament of Reconciliation I recently returned and submitted myself to God’s mercy. And over the months since my return to the Sacrament my conscience has grown a lot and I have developed a greater self-knowledge.

Obviously in the first confession I made after this absence I didn’t know that a lot of the things I had done were mortal sins so I didn’t confess them. But one thing I knew was wrong I had totally forgotten about until yesterday. Even though this sin was absolved in my previous confessions do I still now need to confess it, as it is mortal?

 

[MacMcCarver]

It’s important to accept yourself and remember that your past sins can’t affect you spiritually if you have truly repented of them. The present moment is the most important moment to dwell on. However, if the remembrance of past mortal sins disturbs you to no end, confess them and FORGET them. Scrupulosity will make living life to the full impossible.

 

[wild_thing]

Yes, you need to confess mortal sins as soon as you remember them. After Reconcilation, they are forgiven and there is no need to wallow in them. If you bring them to mind to recall God’s great mercy or to help you stay humble and grateful- well and good. But if you become very despondant, anxious, and troubled by past sins that have been confessed and forgiven, recognize that this is not what God wants and that you might be suffering temptation from the evil one.

Welcome back the Church and bless you!

 

[Bookcat]

We are only obliged to confess all mortal sins in number and kind (and circumstance that changes it…like it was your Father you murdered)

What if you forget one?

If one forgets a mortal sin they are obliged to confess it in the next confession after the remember it.