Penance

[Guest Guest]

If you've commited a moral sin and then say the act of contrition b/c you're sorry, is there any worth in doing self-imposed penance to show you're sorry before you can get to confession (and you'd still do the one that the priest gives you) or should you wait until the priest gives you penance after confession? And will God still hear and answer your prayers if you've got a mortal sin on your soul?

[Pontifex]

If you turn to God in sorrow, truly sorry for your sins, than yes, God hears your cry. Your ability to recognize your sins, and the desire to confess them, is a movement toward God.

Penance or simple acts of mortification are good for the soul. We should be practicing penance as a part of our spiritual lives on a daily basis. Sometimes this can be in very small ways, like praying a Hail Mary or Our Father, or simply by saying no to something that we like. (Having water instead of a coke with Lunch) I don't think you need to wait for a directive in the confessional to practice penance in your life.

I hope this helps.

Fr. Pontifex