Replies

If yo’ mama thinks that her suffering earns her access to heaven, that’s terrible, IMHO.

If she views it as something which, combined with — oh, how can I express this — a continuous reaching for the hand of IHS will — struggling for words here — be like swimming toward the middle of Ezekiel’s river which flows from the temple and spreads life all around ... the middle where the flow is deepest and strongest, then she may well have a point.

Though our emotions and moods depend on what we eat and do and on our internal chemistry, if repentance and humility are not accompanied with confidence and joy, even sometimes a grim merriment, then IMHO we’re doing it wrong.

For that there is only one remedy: to cast oneself before the throne of mercy.

How’s that for an answer? Is it okay?

Thank you for your kind answer. I think what happens sometimes, and not just with Catholics, is we forget to forgive ourselves after we have accepted God's forgiveness. I remember once when I was about seven years old, my Mom had me bring her purse into the house for her. I took a quarter out of it, thinking I could buy some candy (back then, 25 cents bought a LOT of candy). I felt so guilty about it, that I gave it to my Mom and said I found it on the playground - I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth. She told me I should take it to the lost and found at school. I can't remember now if that is what I actually did or not - I know I didn't spend it - but I probably confessed that sin more than ten times at confession. I forget how many prayers of penance I had been assigned. I STILL never forgot it and for a long time I still felt the guilt. I have since told Mom all about it, but I remember that guilt stayed with me for a long time.

I know Mom has things in her life for which she is deeply ashamed - don't we all - and I believe that may be the impetus for the feeling of having to suffer for her sins even after she has been to confession for them. I think the purpose for some of these emotions is to remind us of the consequences spiritually of our disobedience. But God does not intend for us to wallow in our brokenness rather he desires for us to arise and continue the race brushing off the dirt that stuck to us when we fell. I pray she really does know she IS forgiven, she really does BELIEVE God has forgiven her. Thanks again for your thoughts.