RascalJones Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 OK, I've been wondering about this lately. What happens if somehow a mortal sin of my past has escaped my memory and I don't confess it? Even if I have every intention of confessing all my sins, yet I unintentionally leave some out because I can't remember them. Say they were 10-20 years ago or whatever. I believe that with prayer, the Holy Spirit will help to reveal all to you, so that you can "come clean". But, what's the status of being in the state of Grace, if the sin hasn't been revealed to you? Does this make any sense? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theologian in Training Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 [quote name='RascalJones' post='969528' date='May 3 2006, 10:14 AM'] OK, I've been wondering about this lately. What happens if somehow a mortal sin of my past has escaped my memory and I don't confess it? Even if I have every intention of confessing all my sins, yet I unintentionally leave some out because I can't remember them. Say they were 10-20 years ago or whatever. I believe that with prayer, the Holy Spirit will help to reveal all to you, so that you can "come clean". But, what's the status of being in the state of Grace, if the sin hasn't been revealed to you? Does this make any sense? [/quote] If you forgot the sins that you were going to confess but had the intention of confessing them, because they were mortal, I would confess them the next time you go to confession. However, forgetting them and witholding them are two different things, since you genuienly forgot them or don't even remember them, you cannot be held accountable. You are right though, in an effort to "purify" you and "come clean," as you put it, God may reveal those sins in time, but that will happen in God's time, so be patient with Him and with yourself, and if you do remember a sin, confess it the next time you go to confession. Hope that helps God Bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phatcatholic Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 also, it is helpful to conclude a confession with "....and for any sins that i have failed to mention." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cappie Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 [quote name='phatcatholic' post='969800' date='May 4 2006, 04:33 AM'] also, it is helpful to conclude a confession with "....and for any sins that i have failed to mention." [/quote] Yep...wot he says..... : people in my parish finish their confession with the following formula... "For these and all the sins which I cannot now remember I ask pardon, penance and absolution from you Father....." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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