• Our Blogger

    Fr. Joseph Jenkins

  • The blog header depicts an important and yet mis-understood New Testament scene, Jesus flogging the money-changers out of the temple. I selected it because the faith that gives us consolation can also make us very uncomfortable. Both Divine Mercy and Divine Justice meet in Jesus. Priests are ministers of reconciliation, but never at the cost of truth. In or out of season, we must be courageous in preaching and living out the Gospel of Life. The title of my blog is a play on words, not Flogger Priest but Blogger Priest.

  • Archives

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

  • Recent Comments

    john on Ask a Priest
    Sarah on Ask a Priest
    Aidan on Ask a Priest
    "Alyssa on Ask a Priest
    mike shannon on MARY OUR MOTHER

Keeping a List of Sins

QUESTION:

Hi Father, is it a sin to not obey your confessor when he tells you to do something? For example, my priest told me not to write down my sins because I am scrupulous. Is it a mortal sin if I disobey this?

RESPONSE:

I would not question such a directive from a confessor.  Indeed, asking if not complying is a mortal sin is likely a symptom of scrupulosity.  Writing sins can be perilous, not only because we can quickly compound unworthiness and sin but because there is a danger of exposure to others.  You should listen to your confessor.  Refusal to do so may be a sign that you really do not want to be forgiven.  Do you distrust the power of absolution given the priest?  Do you believe that you are unforgivable?  Trust the grace and power of God.