Forgiveness Outside Confession??

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I committed (what I consider) a mortal sin by telling a lie. Upon feeling convicted in my spirit that I had done wrong and asked the Lord for forgiveness in prayer as well as admitted to those to whom I lied. Can I participate in the Eucharist in lieu of going to Reconciliation?

-- Jason (jasongbarnes@yahoo.com), July 27, 2003

Answers

Dear Jason, your sincerity and response to the conviction of having lied shows a pure and humble heart. Sometimes,I've found, the combination of Church teaching and my own conscience determines what to do when I mess up. In matters of sin we can't understate God's unfathomable,unceasing MERCY on a repentant heart!! You are indeed forgiven, and unless you're convinced this was a mortal {grave} sin, you are free to receive Jesus in Communion.

The Catechism offers some clear insight into the matter,may I share a few relevant articles? Under "Confession of sins", part of #1455 states.. ' The confession {or disclosure} of sins, even from a simply human point of view, frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others. Through such admission man looks squarely at the sins he is guilty of , takes responsibility for them, and thereby opens himself again to God and to the communion of the Church in order to make a new future possible. "

1456 "Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance: All mortal sins of which penitents after a diligent self- examination are conscious must be recounted by them in confession, even if they are most secret and have been committed against the last two precepts of the Decalogue, for these sins sometimes wound the soul more grievously and are more dangerouss then those which are committed openly."

1458 "Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults {venial sins} is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendancies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently by this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as He is merciful".

This one may be particularly helpful in discerning... Under "Offenses against Truth", #2484 states " The gravity of a lie is measured against the nature of the truth it deforms, the circumstances, the intentions of the one who lies, and the harm suffered by its victims. If a lie in itself only constitutes a venial sin, it becomes mortal when it does grave injury to the virtues of justice and charity."

So, I guess that leaves you with some praying to do. I do know our God is the one standing there with outstretched arms ALWAYS, it is we who move away or draw near. I pray for a glorious reconciliation on all levels. Theresa

-- Theresa Huether (RodnTee4Jesus@aol.com), July 27, 2003.


a little more on this... when I get stuck with lying, it's usually a quick response out of fear. When we're walking with the Holy Spirit, or rather, in Him, we are convicted immediately, as soon as the lie leaves our lips we are just stung with conviction. {just like Jesus said would happen, 'the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin}. I'll try and figure the right time if possible, to approach the person and confess, {within reason of course, and if I can stand the humiliation}, but it's good for the putting down of my fleshly ego. And, again as stated in the catechism articles, discern the gravity.

But most importantly, I try to see what made me lie, because I want to know my own heart. There's a two-fold benefit in knowing our own weaknesses, or strongholds {things that hold us strongly from God}.Did I lie because I still have fears of what people think of me? Did I lie because I'm puffed up and want to appear something I'm not? Did I lie out of jealousy? It's not a pretty picture, but if we're honest with ourselves, we can turn immediately to God's loving gaze {He knows already}. This way we can pray for the grace to crush these strongholds from us, and get them out by the root, thereby not committing the sin so readily again.

The other benefit from this self-examination and getting to know our own heart, is we are aware of our personal tendancies, and thus able to avoid 'near occasions of sin'. This not only loosens us from our natural temptation, but from the grasp of a cunning enemy, the devil and his demons sent to lure us. They, after all, have been around for a long time and have seen our ancestors also, and know our familial tendancies. But, alas, Jesus is Lord over us and our families too. Theresa

-- Theresa Huether (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), July 28, 2003.


Jason:

Of course you should go to confession before receiving Communion. Confession is not just for mortal sins. For guidance on whether your sin was a mortal sin or not, consult your confessor.

-- jake (jake1REMOVE@pngusa.net), July 28, 2003.


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