67. What are we to do if we should not receive Absolution?
We should humbly submit to the decision of the Confessor, and, by true amendment, render ourselves worthy of it.
§ 5. Satisfaction.
68. What is Satisfaction in the Sacrament of Penance?
It is the performance of the Penance enjoined by the Confessor.
69. For what purpose does the Confessor impose a Penance on us?
1. For the expiation of the temporal punishment of sin; and
2. For the amendment of our life.
70. When God remits the sin, does He also remit all punishment due on account of it?
With the sin God always remits the eternal punishment, but He does not always remit the temporal punishment due for it; therefore the Prophet Nathan said to David: 'The Lord hath taken away thy sin; nevertheless, the child that is born to thee shall surely die ' (2 Kings xii. 13, 14).
71. What is the temporal punishment due to our sins?
It is that punishment which we have to suffer either here on earth, or in Purgatory.
72. Why does God not always remit the temporal punishment together with the eternal?
1. Because His Justice demands that, by the' enduring of the punishment, we should make some reparation for the injury done to Him; and
2. Because in His Mercy He will, by the fear of such punishment, render us more cautious, and guard us against relapsing into sin.
73. Has not Christ, then, made full satisfaction for our sins?
