In modern society, as the sense of sin is lost, "so unfortunately the sense of guilt increases," observed Pope Benedict XVI in a message made public March 14.
The Pope's message, which was delivered to participants in a conference on the "internal forum," organized by the Apostolic Penitentiary, underlined the need for priests form the faithful in a way that "stimulates consciences to better perceive the sense of sin, which today has become somewhat faded." This can be done, the Pontiff said, through preaching, spiritual direction, and especially through the sacrament of Penance.
When people lose the sense of sin, the Pope said, they feel a greater burden of guilt, which they struggle unsuccessfully to ease by other means.
source: Catholic Culture
2 comments:
Oh wow, I never thought of that! No wonder we have so many neurotics in our society today. That makes total sense. Confession purges us of that build up of sin. I was reading something, a reflection maybe, that mentioned that man was truly blessed if he knew himself, knew his weaknesses(sins). Otherwise it's just some sort of nebulous nagging feeling.
Alexandra,
I had aha moments with this information, also! I really like that excerpt from the reflection, "man (is) truly blessed if he (knows) himself, (knows) his weaknesses(sins)."
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