Resolution of Amendment

Resolution of Amendment.—The resolution of amendment which true contrition calls for is at least implicit in the hatred of sin, but it is advisable that the penitent expressly resolve to avoid sin in the future. This determination should have the following qualities:

(a) it should be firm, that is, the penitent should make up his mind not to relapse into deliberate sin. Yet, it is not necessary that he feel certain of his perseverance, and his resolve does not cease to be firm, if he foresees that he will fall again, provided he is decided to do the best he can;

(b) it should be efficacious, that is, the penitent must decide to use suitable means to fulfill his good intentions as to reparation for scandal, calumny, and injustice, as to the avoidance of sinful occasions, etc.;

(c) it should be universal, that is, the penitent must resolve at least generically to avoid each and every grave sin in the future. If only free matter (2727) is confessed, the penitent may direct his resolution of amendment to all past mortal sins confessed, or to one of the present venial sins declared, or he may resolve to do better in reference to a certain class of sins (e.g., deliberate sins, faults of speech), or he may resolve to diminish the frequency of his venial sins.