What if you can't receive absolution?

[guanophore]

No. “Legalistic” means that I don’t believe that a problem which is at its core a spiritual one can be resolved by a piece of paper. Regarding breaking canon law: I just fear one judge and I don’t think HE will quote canon law in this specific trial.

You are right, and it cannot. In fact, the paper is just documentation that the matter has been addressed from a spiritual perspective. It sounds like you really don’t trust the Church to act according to it’s own spiritual beliefs and principles.

Don’t be too sure about your Judge. It is He who appointed those who are in charge of examining the matter and producing that 'piece of paper" as a result of their work.

"He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” Luke 10:16

Jesus gave “all authority” to His Apostles, and they to their successors, the bishops. When we fail to obey them, we are in defiance/rebellion against Him. It has been stated that the solution to your situation is simple and available to you. That is why it seems that you have not taken advantage of it due to rebellion, and lack of trust that Jesus will work through the Authority He has appointed over you.

Naaman had the same attitude about dipping himself in the Jordan to be healed, but when he complied, he was healed.

Obedience to the structures the Church has placed can be an incredibly freeing experience. If you obey, even when you object, God will bless you in your obedience. This is even true when you believe what you are told is wrong!

 

[Constantin]

@guanophore: Thanks! Actually, I never considered it that way. What you say makes a lot of sense to me, I need to think about it some more. If only it were that easy…

 

[guanophore]

I agree that it is not easy to walk in obedience. I have a lifelong struggle with it myself. I grew up in a very dysfunctional family, and defiance is one of the things that kept me sane. When the primary authority figures in your life are off their nut, one has to learn to function apart from them.

It is also hard to go against “logic” when certain things just don’t make sense. This might be the hardest time to act in obedience, but also one of the most refreshing.

You are very sincere Constantin, in the love of your family and in your desire for the sacramental life. I am sure that the Holy Spirit will guide you and give you the strength to do what is right.

What would you want your kids to do if they did not understand or appreciate what you were asking them to do? Would you want them to trust you, and do it anyhow?

 

[Constantin]

It seems like you are adopting a certain carrot and stick strategy with me, guanophore But never mind.
Regarding your comparison with kids: The key difference is that children will never be accountable for what they are doing - no matter whether they do what they were told or not.
We are God´s children indeed and as wayward as regular children. However, in the end, we will be accountable for what we are doing and what we have done.

 

[guanophore]

It seems like you are adopting a certain carrot and stick strategy with me, guanophore But never mind.

Regarding your comparison with kids: The key difference is that children will never be accountable for what they are doing - no matter whether they do what they were told or not.

We are God´s children indeed and as wayward as regular children. However, in the end, we will be accountable for what we are doing and what we have done.

It is natural for us to have resistance/rebellion toward change and demands upon us, along with being motivated to also do what we believe is good for us. Both things are true at the same time.

I don’t know why you would say that children will never be accountable. They should be more and more accountable as they grow. Children who are not held accountable for their actions grow up to become sociopaths!