What if one cannot make amends?

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Holly3278

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Hey everyone. I know that the Catholic Church teaches that one must make amends for sins that wrong our neighbor.
**1459 **Many sins wrong our neighbor. One must do what is possible in order to repair the harm (e.g., return stolen goods, restore the reputation of someone slandered, pay compensation for injuries). Simple justice requires as much. But sin also injures and weakens the sinner himself, as well as his relationships with God and neighbor. Absolution takes away sin, but it does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused. Raised up from sin, the sinner must still recover his full spiritual health by doing something more to make amends for the sin: he must “make satisfaction for” or “expiate” his sins. This satisfaction is also called “penance.”
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scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1459.htm

Does this mean that a person must always make amends, even if making amends would cause very serious consequences for a person? Also, if a person does not make amends, will they go to Hell?
 
I learned through a 12 step program that one should not make amends directly if others would be harmed further. In that case, it is best to make indirect amends.

There may also be cases that one can’t make direct amends if a person can’t be found, or is deceased.

I’d suggest consulting a priest and asking individual advice about your situation.
 
For me, one of the greatest tools in catholicism is making an examination of conscience at the end of each day. And yes, there our things I cannot make, a face to face amends, but what I’ve learned in working a 12 step program in cases such as these is give it up to God. And I, not to continue doing that particular behavior. We call it a Living amends.

God bless

jesus g
 
Your penance given in confession is giving satisfaction for the sin.

If the situation would not allow amends with another, an act of charity can suffice. Such as giving money to a charity, prayer, works of mercy, etc.

Since in the past you have tended towards scrupulosity, you should discuss any concerns you have with your pastor.
 
Holly3278 said:
Hey everyone. I know that the Catholic Church teaches that one must make amends for sins that wrong our neighbor.

scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1459.htm
Click to expand...
Does this mean that a person must always make amends, even if making amends would cause very serious consequences for a person? Also, if a person does not make amends, will they go to Hell?
Click to expand...
Provide an example when making an amends would cause serious consequences to a person. The 12 step religion of AA has a distorted and varied explanation of this.
 
1ke said:
Your penance given in confession is giving satisfaction for the sin.

If the situation would not allow amends with another, an act of charity can suffice. Such as giving money to a charity, prayer, works of mercy, etc.

Since in the past you have tended towards scrupulosity, you should discuss any concerns you have with your pastor.
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I talked to my priest earlier this morning and he told me the same thing that you told me here. 🙂
 
My dear Holly,

You know what the Church teaches, as you have posted it in your OP. Do not be afraid to make amends. God will make it possible and safe for you to make right your wrongdoing. If you have harmed a person you must make up for it by doing specifically what the Church has prescribed. Do not go by what anyone else here says; just go by what the Church teaches. If you refuse to make amends, your sins will not be forgiven. This is what the Church teaches, Holly. God bless you. Be strong and persevere!
 
ready said:
My dear Holly,

You know what the Church teaches, as you have posted it in your OP. Do not be afraid to make amends. God will make it possible and safe for you to make right your wrongdoing. If you have harmed a person you must make up for it by doing specifically what the Church has prescribed. Do not go by what anyone else here says; just go by what the Church teaches. If you refuse to make amends, your sins will not be forgiven. This is what the Church teaches, Holly. God bless you. Be strong and persevere!
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I’m going by what my spiritual director says.
 
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