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Guilty Gail
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Hi, guys —
I am feeling kind of guilty about this.
Four years ago, maybe less, we paid a guy to install cable in our home illegally and then a few months later we moved and we got free cable service from our internet modem thing. I think they already blocked most of the channels anyway and since I found out it was theft, I have been telling my parents to start paying for the cable from now on.
I did not know it was stealing. I knew it was illegal, but just recently I found out. I am feeling guilty because I encouraged and participated in this and also watched T.V.
- Do we have to pay all those months we stole from the company, it's like $3,000.00, maybe less, or should we just not do it again, and pay from now on?
Also, what if we stole some candy from a store when I was little.
- Do we have to pay that back too or can I donate some of my stuff to a thrift store?
I am worried because I read that for everything you steal, you have to return it or you are not forgiven.
- In my case, what should I do?
Gail
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Do we have to make compensation for all the cable we illegally received or the candy I stole? }
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Mike replied:
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Hi, Gail —
Some of the issues in your question obviously go against the seventh Commandment.
Nevertheless, you are asking questions that would best be addressed by your local parish pastor or priests; and none of us are priests.
That said, within the sacrament of Confession there is an important part called making satisfaction for your sins; this is done through the penance and counsel the priest gives you after he hears your Confession.
We can't give you a penance nor can we give you the counsel that comes with Confession; only the priest who hears your Confession can.
I would recommend you bring the issue of your parents not paying for their cable and well as the other issues you brought up with your Confessor in the sacrament of Confession and follow his council.
I hope this helps,
Mike
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Mary Ann replied:
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Gail —
In the circumstances as you describe them, I believe that you do not have to expose yourself to prosecution by admitting to the downloads, but you can give a contribution to charity.
The same goes for the cable, but your parents are responsible, not you.
As to the candy, you can both admit what you did and pay for the candy, but I'd send a check to the store or otherwise the clerk might pocket the cash . . . no sense in tempting the clerk!
Mary Ann
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