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Q&A

Forgiveness Depends on True Contrition

Tom Nash

Question:

For Divine Mercy Sunday, does the amount of forgiveness I receive depend on how much I trust the divine mercy?

Answer:

Some will ask, “On Divine Mercy Sunday, does the amount of forgiveness I receive in the sacrament of reconciliation depend on how much I trust in Jesus?” No, although increasing one’s trust in Jesus is always recommended. Forgiveness is a gift from God, not something we can earn by our level of trust, although to be forgiven we have to cooperate with God’s grace in being contrite and confessing our sins (CCC 1450-58).

Our level of holiness and growth in trust also require our cooperation with God. In this light, our trust and love of Jesus otherwise will impact whether we attain the plenary indulgence that the Church makes available in connection with Divine Mercy Sunday (see CCC 1471-73).

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