The Worry Thread

[PeterC]

I’d like to thank everybody and anybody on this forum who have read posts I have made from time to time, answered them, or said a prayer for me. I believe I have begun the long overdue journey I need to take to ask Jesus to save my soul.

I return here often (and other sites) looking for further signs and help in finding my way. It’s amazing to me to know how fearful the journey can be yet I know there will be light. A reminder every now and then brings me back to the path.

When things worry me I think I’ll return here and check in from time to time to see what you might have to say about whatever it is that might be worrying me. So I dedicate this thread to those, like me, who worry along the way and invite them to add their worries to The Worry Thread.

My present worry is repentance. I know how important and vital it is towards my salvation. I ask for forgiveness for my sins in my prayers and have faith I am forgiven. I feel repentant. My worry is am I really repentant? I’m in my sixties. If I were in my thirties would I feel this way if I knew what I know now?

What has brought me to the fact or illusion of repentance, fear of hell knowing death is now so much closer or genuine repentance? I have no interest in committing the sins of my past. Is it because the “Near Occasion” in no longer near? Or, is it because I have truly repented? What does it feel like? Sometimes I feel like standing myself in the corner and then demanding of me …… how do you really feel deep in your heart, PeterC?

I think confession will help. It’s been over 50 years since my last one. I am presently gathering the courage to take that next step. I’ll call and make an appointment. Perhaps I’ve just answered my own questions.

 

[Steve_Girone]

PeterC:

I think confession will help. It’s been over 50 years since my last one. I am presently gathering the courage to take that next step. I’ll call and make an appointment. Perhaps I’ve just answered my own questions.

Yes you have, Peter, with the help of the Blessed Mother I suspect. She is calling more and more of her children back to her Son through Confession and daily conversion of heart.

I’ll say a prayer for you Peter, and may God bless you on your journey.

 

[felra]

By all means make an appointment to go to confession, then go, be as exhaustive as you are able in confessing your sins. Repentance and receiving God’s love and forgiveness may have an accompanying feeling (relief, sense of freedom, feeling less emotionally and mentally burdened) but not always, or the feelings may come or go. What is important is knowing through the sacrament of reconciliation that you are forgiven. The feelings and any acts of reparation will work themselves out subsequent to having been forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ who died for your sins.

The focus should be on receiving God’s forgiveness, not so much on whether you are worthy to be forgiven (or even if feeling capable of repentance). God certainly takes you where you are at, worry and all, but He does not limit Himself in extending His love and forgiveness by our limitations; all you really have to do is receive His forgiveness as the starting point of true redemption (like this past week Mass reading of the good thief on the cross).

God bless.

 

[Dr.Colossus]

PeterC:

What has brought me to the fact or illusion of repentance, fear of hell knowing death is now so much closer or genuine repentance? I have no interest in committing the sins of my past. Is it because the “Near Occasion” in no longer near? Or, is it because I have truly repented? What does it feel like? Sometimes I feel like standing myself in the corner and then demanding of me …… how do you really feel deep in your heart, PeterC?

I think confession will help. It’s been over 50 years since my last one. I am presently gathering the courage to take that next step. I’ll call and make an appointment. Perhaps I’ve just answered my own questions.

PeterC, may God grant you the grace and courage you need to return to His holy Sacrament of Confession. I encourage you to go as soon as you can. The healing power of Reconciliation cannot be understated.

And don’t worry anymore about your repentance! The Church teaches that even repentance due to fear of Hell (called Imperfect Contrition) is sufficient for the forgiveness of sins when coupled with a firm desire to avoid those sins in the future.

 

[Joanna]

Peter C, just think of all the angels rejoicing! I think it helps to know repentance is an act of the will apart from any feeling that may or may not accompany it. Making a decision and acting on it, like your decision to make a good confession is precious in the eyes of the Lord. I’ll be praying for you.

Peace,
Joanna