Sorrow for venial sin

[bardegaulois]

I’ll put the issue of mortal sin–wilful and conscious immoral acts–aside for a moment, but have you ever reviewed your life, and realized that there were actions that you could have taken in the moment, but declined, only to realize in hindsight that what was being offered to you was a token of God’s providence? That your not being present (here) caused you to miss out on the present (gift) of God? That some minor affectation, like self-image, physical comfort, or the like has blinded you to the great opportunities laid before you?

Scruples perhaps, but after a lengthy penance, all my past absences are being dredged up from memory. Particularly, I am concerned about a particular favour, for which I made five novenas to well-chosen intercessors. And it was offered to me, but I wasn’t present enough to realize that my prayers were being answered. So I lost this beautiful favour for which I’d prayed for several months.

How has it affected you? Have you too sat on your stoop with your head in your hands, so conscious of your unworthiness and weakness, mourning the fact that you are who you are? And that, without the grace of God, you are doomed to fail? Did you feel very close to the Cross at that time?

I know this is a rather open-ended question, but do you have any other comments on this?

 

[TuAutem]

I don’t mean to give an obscure-sounding answer, but I would recommend you read the Dialogues of St Catherine of Siena (also published recently under the title Little Talks with God). Her teachings, on how to cultivate infinite love and infinite grief, might really help you with these questions. (At any rate, they have for me.)

 

[Monica4316]

An important point that I read in a book by St Francis de Sales (Introduction to the Devout Life) is that - our sorrow for sin shouldn’t make us discouraged, which comes from pride, or despairing, etc, - we should realize our misery but this should also help us to see God’s mercy

God bless

 

[bardegaulois]

TuAutem, it’s not obscure at all. I have started reading this. Thank you for the tip. And Monica, yes, sorrow for sin truly does the grace of God in stark relief.

Thanks to you both.

 

[fred_conty]

What I think about is all those people that could have made it if I had just done more and
not refused to act. Now their chance is gone forever in terrible torment. Some people
have a special devotion to those people suffering in purgatory. I feel pressed to pray
and do for those who have noone to pray for them and are in spiritual need in the worse way. Especially those who will be given the summons that day. After that day, the chance for their happiness is gone and nothing more can be done, ever.

Please pray for them.