Degrees of Contrition

Contrition is the greatest sorrow, for it is based onthe greatest charity, that is, the soul’s supernatural love and friendship with God. Sin is the greatest of evils; the sorrow which crushes it out of the soul is the greatest sorrow. Contrition is,indeed, not felt as the keenest sorrow in the sensitive part of aman, but as an act of the penitent’s will it is the deepest sorrow of all.

In the sentient order, grief for sin may be excessive.It is not right or reasonable to become emotionally distrait, even over sin. True contrition is in the will; here, it cannot be too great. But its sentient reaction must be regulated by reason, sothat the sinner retains calmness and patience.

Sins have degrees of evil in them; one is worse than another. Therefore sorrow for one sin may, and sometimes should, be greater than sorrow for another.