In my last confession the priest said I could choose my own penance, to do good to another person.
Is this legit?
I 'm a bit perplexed what to do, never had such a penance before, any suggestions?
2006-08-27 01:30:02 · 10 answers · asked by zorro 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Of course it is legit. The priest is wanting you to put your energies toward doing good, so you can avoid sin in the future.
2006-08-27 01:35:25 · answer #1 · answered by nureal1 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
--Is Catholic--
Personaly I would suggest a better confessor because if he is handing out penances like that, he is probably not helping you get rid of your attachement to sin. Confession has two parts to it, the absolution of sin, and becoming unattached from sin (or doing your pennance). Pennance is done both out of sorrow and reparation as well as for a mean to re-conform your mind, body, and spirit to Christ.
In Canon Law, which governs the sacrament we read
Can. 981 The confessor is to impose salutary and appropriate penances, in proportion to the kind and number of sins confessed, taking into account, however, the condition of the penitent. The penitent is bound personally to fulfill these penances.
I do not see how "choose your own penance" follows that, unless of course there were some constraints to the penance of what you could choose. But simply saying, "do what you want" neither follows the spirit of the law, nor its letter. But most importantly it doesn't help you as an individual who is trying to free himself from sin.
I can see in some cases where a "choose your own penance" might be appropriate, especially for minor sins and for very young people. Not knowing your sins (and not asking) I cannot give advice to your situation.
However, let me say this: The Priest is ultimately the judge of what penance is given. If you feel that the penance is not helping you to get rid of sin, I suggest finding another confessor, talking directly with the priest so that he might help you even out side of the confessional, or while in the confessional, POLITELY saying "Father, I am not sure that the penance that you have given me will help me detach myself from my sinful habits." (Then follow what he says, no second questions).
There are priests who will treat confession lightly and give inappropriate penances. As a Catholic, you have a right to be helped free from your attachments and vices, and sometimes you have to remind priests that that is also a part of confession.
2006-08-29 23:48:09 · answer #2 · answered by Liet Kynes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catholic Church has gotten away from the "three Hail Mary's and four Our Fathers" penance, which is a good thing. Your priest wants you to go out and do good for someone, and this could be anything from turoring a child, feeding the homeless, visiting the elderly or anything else. It's up to you simply because he also wants you to get something out of it. So do as he asked, go out, do some good, feel better about yourself and expand upon your life experiences.
2006-08-27 08:36:54 · answer #3 · answered by Michael O 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this pennance is legitimate. He gave you a pennance to do. he just did not give you the specifics for the pennance.
Pennance is simply any action that brings us back towards God. Sin is any action, deed or thought that is contrary to the command to love God and love neighbor.
Pennance is the opposite of sin. Pennance is an action, word, oir thought that is done as a part of Reconciliation that is loving.
Traditionally, pennance is in the form of prayers, but it does not have to be. As far as a suggestion on what to do, you could participate in an outreach project for the homeless - Project Hopebags. Go to the grocery store and buy a meal for someone in individual service pop top cans. Includ a bottle of water. Include a hand written note of encouragement and love. If you have it, include a map of the homeless shelters in your city. Put all of this in a plastic grocery bag and keep it in your car. If you see someone of the street corner begging for money, give him the bag, a smile and a blessing. You can find out more about this by going to http://www.hopebags.com
Instant messenger me at everydaycatholic if you have any questions
2006-08-27 08:41:39 · answer #4 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is legit. Sometimes priests don't let us take the easy way out, and we actually have to pour effort into repenting.
Do something good for someone you would usually not consider deserving of it, and do it from your heart.
God bless!
2006-08-27 08:52:21 · answer #5 · answered by Kiwi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not catholic so sorry for throwing in my thoughts ... but this sounds wonderful and if i am honest it should be done more
he is giving you responsibility and asking that you should find something fitting for your penance from your own judgement ...
do something wonderful .. even more fitting than the priest would ask of you
love to you xxx
2006-08-27 08:39:27 · answer #6 · answered by Peace 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
YES.
Go and do something good to a person who really deserves kindness, love and faith from you.
Next time, to do good, please do not wait till you confess and get a penance.
But always do good.
2006-08-30 00:24:58 · answer #7 · answered by Sapnat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be kind to someone who you feel does not deserve it. Put your silly judgment aside and threat them like Jesus asked us to treat our neighbors.
2006-08-27 08:35:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
do something nice for someone. give someone a hug. comfort someone who is feeling sad. pray for someone. there are tons of things you can do!
2006-08-27 15:47:29 · answer #9 · answered by me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes...
2006-08-27 08:35:32 · answer #10 · answered by DoggS 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋