Absolution and Forgoten

Question from James on 1/23/2008:  
Once a good confession is made, all prior sins are forgiven but are they also forgoten? Whereas God has no further recollection? Do we still have a penance in the after life?
Answer by Fr.Stephen F. Torraco on 1/25/2008: 
Sins are forgiven, of course, but sins have effects on one's soul that we strive to reverse or heal by penance both in this life and in POurgatory. Let me use an example. Suppose I give you a candle as a gift, and I tell you, "Use it any way you wish, but do not put your finger in the flame." Afterwards, you begin to doubt my warning about putting your finger in the flame, and you proceed to put your finger in the flame. You burn your finger. You come back to me and tell me that you have abused my gift to you. And I say, "I forgive you." But you still have to deal with your burned finger.