The Penance

I've searched the net for the reasons why there are times the priest would not give penance during Confession. One article I'd read explained that it can be because the priest saw that the penitent was truly sorry. I was glad to learned about this though later on I was anxious and search for more answers. I know that through the blood of Christ we were forgiven and whatever penance given to us is/are necessary for us to atone from our sins and able to re-establish again our relationship with God that has been wrecked by sins. There were two instances that I have not received penance during Confession by different priest and both instances I just prayed afterwards, grateful for the mercy He has been giving. Curious as I was, I want to know the catechism about these that I tried to research and asked around. One article I'd read says that the most important to receive in this Sacrament is the absolution. The confession and penance usually are not required especially during times before death. But I'm quite a little bit concerned since I'm not dying when I confessed. My brothers in Christ cannot provide specific answers for these and just told me that absolution is really what matters most. They even told me that mortal sins like abortion, murder and rape can only be absolved by bishops. I've pondered more for the sins I've confessed I can say were not as big as those mentioned. There was this nagging feeling that maybe my mom was right that because it becomes a habit that the priest thinks I should stopped confessing those. I mean my intention was to confess my favourite sins every time I failed not to commit them no matter how I tried. Though I felt guilty I've committed them and confessing all over again. I know God's mercy is vast and infinite so I'm confident I'm still forgiven and that keep me to strive harder to be good. One sister in Christ told me that perhaps it meant that I can do whatever penance which I think can help me reconciled once again to God. This makes sense and I felt that I've been growing in my faith journey since I've been receiving more challenging task but help me get closer to God. Before I was perplexed too that even if I confess regularly the priest would even let me pray the whole rosary as my penance, or even just a decade, or there was a time a ten minute meditation. But I understand along the way that these help me to have more intimate relationship with God and truly they are His ministers to lead us back to Him. Nevertheless, I will discussed same topic with my spiritual adviser later on though I'm now not anxious and at peace.

 "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week," Jesus showed himself to his apostles. "He breathed on them, and said to them: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained"' (Jn 20:19, 22-23)