forgiven if we are in danger of death and
cannot go to confession. Imperfect contrition with the priest's
absolution will blot out our mortal sins.

*204 Q. What is imperfect contrition?
A. Imperfect contrition is that by which we hate what offends God
because by it we lose Heaven and deserve Hell; or because sin is so
hateful in itself.

*205 Q. Is imperfect contrition sufficient for a worthy confession?
A. Imperfect contrition is sufficient for a worthy confession, but we
should endeavor to have perfect contrition.

206 Q. What do you mean by a firm purpose of sinning no more?
A. By a firm purpose of sinning no more I mean a fixed resolve not only
to avoid all mortal sin, but also its near occasions.

"Fixed." Not for a certain time, but for all the future.

207 Q. What do you mean by the near occasions of sin?
A. By the near occasions of sin I mean all the persons, places and
things that may easily lead us into sin.

"Occasions." There are many kinds of occasions of sin. First, we have
voluntary and necessary occasions, or those we can avoid and those we
cannot avoid. For example: if a companion uses immodest conversation we
can avoid that occasion, because we can keep away from him; but if the
one who sins is a member of our own family, always living with us, we
cannot so easily avoid that occasion. Second, near and remote occasions.
An occasion is said to be "near" when we usually fall into sin by it.
For instance, if a man gets intoxicated almost every time he visits a
certain place, then that place is a "near occasion" of sin for him; but
if he gets intoxicated only once out of every fifty times or so that he
goes there, then it is said to be a "remote occasion." Now, it is not
enough to avoid the sins: we must also avoid the occasions. If we have a
firm purpose of amendment, if we desire to do better, we must be
resolved to avoid everything that will lead us to sin. It is not enough
to say, I will go to that place or with that person, but I will never
again commit the same sins. No matter what you think now, if you go into
the occasion, you will fall again; because Our Lord, who cannot speak
falsely, says: "He who loves the danger will perish in it." Now the
occasion of sin is always "the danger"; and if you go into it, Our
Lord's words will come true, and you will fall miserably. Take away the
cause, take away the occasion, and then the sin will cease of itself.
Let us suppose the plaster in your house f