Contrition and a Clear Conscience

If we wish to enjoy the peace of a clear conscience, we should know the definition of perfect contrition. Our sorrow for sin is perfect if we detest sin because it offends God, Whom we love above all things. Perfect contrition is a gratuitous gift offered to us by God. Our contrition is imperfect when we are sorry because sin is hateful in itself, or because we fear God’s punishment. However, in God’s great mercy, He always offers us sufficient grace for perfect contrition.

The miraculous gifts given to the early Christians aided in the spread of the Church, but these gifts in themselves are not necessarily a sign of sanctity. In our own day, one should be very slow to believe those who claim to possess these charismatic gifts of God.

The Pharisee in the Gospel went beyond the religious duties required of him, but his fault was in claiming these good works as his own accomplishment. We cannot perform any meritorious act without God’s help. The Publican was negligent in his works, but his humility called down God’s mercy. We must practice the good works of the Pharisee, with the humility of the Publican.