Sometime I feel I don't know how to make a really good confession

[JoabAnias]

I know what you mean Vern.

But I do think some of the weekly confessors are getting spiritual direction as I said earlier.

You didn't assume I read the whole thread did you?

I thought venial sins were erased upon receiving communion.

They are. That doesn't mean there isn't potential to commit venial sins and not realize we have done so that can then lead to a mortal one. Reflection on and responsibility for our actions is important too. There is a fine line there before that can turn overly scrupulous though. The reasons to see the Priest weekly are vast enough that it doesn't have to mean one is over scrupulous to do so either.

Which is a good thing. Cuz I'm the queen of venial sins at times. I'd have to set up a tent in the confessional.

Or - we can pray to Jesus to heal us and carry on, letting our faith continue to inspire good while not letting our right hand know what our left is doing.

As we say at Mass; "Lord, say the word and I shall be healed."

Or at least, get us through to the next thing we need healing of.

You see, I don't think we can be completely be free of the affects of sin, or be permanently sinless ourselves while in this world, only in the next, and that depends on us using the talents the good Shepherd gives to each and cooperating with His free gift of grace so as to comply with His way.

Maybe those people there weekly need more help overcoming themselves, are looking for perfection in this life, or simply have more desire to be free of sin. Only they, the Priest, and the Good Lord above know for sure.

 

[Tu Es Petrus]

Thanks. I think I have a pretty good grasp on confession/reconciliation. My problem is second guessing myself.

Ahh, don't worry. That was actually sort of Martin Luther's problem, one of them that is. He suffered from Scrupulosity. He never thought his confessions were good enough and he was always bugging his confessor.

Do your best: That's all you can do. And here is a little trick to stop second guessing yourself: After I say my sins in confession, I tag on the line "...for these and all my sins I ask for God's forgiveness." Its a little safety net for any sins I may have forgotten.

 

[Michie]

Ahh, don't worry. That was actually sort of Martin Luther's problem, one of them that is. He suffered from Scrupulosity. He never thought his confessions were good enough and he was always bugging his confessor.

Do your best: That's all you can do. And here is a little trick to stop second guessing yourself: After I say my sins in confession, I tag on the line "...for these and all my sins I ask for God's forgiveness." Its a little safety net for any sins I may have forgotten.

Thank you!

 

[Gwendolyn]

I have difficulties with confession, too... my anxiety makes me extremely vulnerable to needless scrupulosity. It often makes me afraid of the Eucharist... thinking I am so sinful for little things that God will strike me down or damn me in my sleep if I receive.

I try to confess regularly with the same priest. He knows me well so he knows my heart, and he helps me try to get beyond all of this. I do try to tell him the things that go on in my head like this - the fears - so that he can try to help me.

What he is trying to impress upon me now is the mercy of God. That if I earnestly desire to make a good confession, and I do my best, that God forgives even if I feel like I failed at making a good confession by forgetting little venial sins.

It is so difficult sometimes.

 

[Michie]

I have difficulties with confession, too... my anxiety makes me extremely vulnerable to needless scrupulosity. It often makes me afraid of the Eucharist... thinking I am so sinful for little things that God will strike me down or damn me in my sleep if I receive.

I try to confess regularly with the same priest. He knows me well so he knows my heart, and he helps me try to get beyond all of this. I do try to tell him the things that go on in my head like this - the fears - so that he can try to help me.

What he is trying to impress upon me now is the mercy of God. That if I earnestly desire to make a good confession, and I do my best, that God forgives even if I feel like I failed at making a good confession by forgetting little venial sins.

It is so difficult sometimes.

I know Gwen. *HUG*

But the key is the sincerity of your heart. God knows these things & he is merciful & loving above all.



We goof, we goof.

He isn't going to hurt you over an unintentional goof.