Dr. Geraghty, Often we go to confession and may get different interpretations of our sins e.g. their gravily, consent, etc., depending on the priest. Even spiritual readings of the saints emphasize anything from hell to God's mercy. With so many differing attitudes and feelings, from the tempation to scrupulosity to making our human weaknesses an excuse, how does our own concious play a role in justifying our attitude towards our sins? This comes into play often when determining "full consent" regarding mortal sin, deciding when our will weakened through habit, compulsion etc. Thank you.

Dear Wayne,

It is the confessor's responsibility to sort these matters out. All you can do is speak as honestly as you can and then let him judge. When he gives you absolution, you are forgiven because the absolution is given in the name of Christ. You can let the matter rest. It is the responsibility of the priest to learn the details about being too rigid, too lax, too scrupulous or too easy on yourself. We just have to be honest in confessing to him.

Dr. Geraghty

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