Withholding a sin from confession - question

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JMMJ said:
God knows your heart. I think you are good. Next time you go, just make sure you are more specific because apparently, that is what the priest wants.
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It’s not what the priest wants. It is what is required by the Sacrament.

This “God knows your heart” stuff, as nice as it is, is not what is called for. The Sacrament requires us to tell the priest, because he’s the one God placed there to exercise this ministry. Withholding a mortal sin in confession is an objective sacrilege, so “God knows your heart” does not cut it here.

I usually take the lighter interpretation of any situation, but not this one.
 
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porthos11 said:
apparently, that is what the priest wants.
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Actually, to a certain extent, it certainly is what the priest wants and requires. I know priests who want as few details and itemizations as necessary. Others really like to delve in and have you tell them everything.

As far as God knowing ones heart, I have no reason to believe that isn’t the case, and plenty of reasons to believe it is. Therefore, that is what I go with. Others may be uncomfortable with that and can use whatever method they are comfortable with.

Trusting that God knows our hearts is the biggest leap of faith I believe their is. And it is a worthwhile one. It hasn’t failed me yet.
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In this situation, the OP lied to the priest about the grave sin, he should definitely go back and confess.
 
Most definitely. But it wasn’t pre-meditated. I believe his confession was still valid.
 
That is something only God knows.

Contact your priest tomorrow.
 
If you look at the big picture, yes I lied. However, honestly I didn’t mean to deliberately do so. I was actually so anxious I wrote my thoughts/sins on a piece of paper and brought it along so I wouldn’t have to go on the fly. Right as he asked me about it I instantly said no with no thought. I am having a difficult time accepting the fact that not only were my sins not forgiven, I actually left with a more “dirty” soul that what I came with. Despite seeking forgiveness, and truly regretting my decision, if I were to die I would go straight to hell for saying one thoughtless word.
 
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1John said:
If you look at the big picture, yes I lied. However, honestly I didn’t mean to deliberately do so. I
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Honey, God knows what happened. Have faith in His infinite mercy and don’t dwell on this. As you mature, you will learn how to answer more confidently when you are “put on the spot” with an unanticipated question.

Next time you go to confession, just let the priest know what happened and he will guide you.
 
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WOW! I think I just had an experience I will never forget. I have never been that emotional of a guy. Last time I really cried was during a Steubenville retreat 3 years ago when Fr. Mike Schmitz held the Monstrance during adoration and walked passed me with it in a Gym full of hundreds of people. I was at the very end of the row of people and he suddenly turned around and walked right back to me and held it right near my face. I just read your comment and for some reason I just burst out in tears. I was balling on my knees for at least 10 minutes and recalled hearing a song called “Come as you are” I remembered random lyrics like “fall in His arms” and “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal”. I can’t put a finger on why your comment gave me so much comfort but it did. Still really confused on what just happened, but I felt that I should share it
 
Thank you so much for sharing that. It is always a comfort to me to remember how much I am loved by God, and about His infinite mercy. He is always there for us. I like to think He keeps things much simpler for us than we do for ourselves sometimes.

I am glad you feel so comforted by thinking about that, too!
 
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