Confession

[-I---Love]

So say I commit sin that the Priest continues to say is not mortal and I do agree with him only because I know nothing and am suppose to obey the Priest, yet is seems terrible. Is it wrong for me to go once a week to Confession? Am I wasting my time and his? And furthermore how can it be justified that one who is addicted etc. no longer has consented freely and therefore sin is not mortal? Where is this from (besides the Catechism) and how can this be true?

[Pontifex]

Even though you may have a habitual behavior that a priest has deemed as less serious, or not even sin, it is still a good idea to take advantage of the sacrament as often as once a week. I go every two weeks myself, regardless of where I am in my relationship with God. It is a time of Grace, and a time to draw near to God, no matter where I stand. I would recommend it to anyone who seeks to be closer to God. It is an amazing gift.

Addiction and Habit, can definitely lower or negate the culpability of an action. The study of psychology, and a well rounded view of behavior has aided the Church in this understanding. This does not mean that if one finds themself in a habitual behavior that they should be content to stay in that state. We should strive to rid ourselves of all that hinders us from being close to Jesus. Ultimately, we do this by falling in love with God. When we fall in love with God, deeper and deeper, we will fight tooth and nail not to offend him.

(By the way, if the Catechism says it, than that is good enough for me. It is the voice of the teaching of the Church.)

Fr. P