Did I recieve communion in the state of mortal sin?

[Eil]

So long story short, I was kissing my boyfriend when he touched my breast (underneath my clothes). At the time I didn’t really care too much, I did try and push him away somewhat, but I didn’t try hard enough. The next Sunday morning I felt really guilty and wondered if that had been a mortal sin…I couldn’t make it to confession before Mass. But then I decided that since I wasn’t sure if it was a mortal sin, it couldn’t be to me because you have to have full knowledge that its grave matter, so I received communion.

But for some reason, I still feel really guilty. I’m not sure why…I’ll go to confession this week…I’ve prayed about it…do you think that I actually did commit a mortal sin and then I received communion?

 

[TradionalWay]

So long story short, I was kissing my boyfriend when he touched my breast (underneath my clothes). At the time I didn’t really care too much, I did try and push him away somewhat, but I didn’t try hard enough. The next Sunday morning I felt really guilty and wondered if that had been a mortal sin…I couldn’t make it to confession before Mass. But then I decided that since I wasn’t sure if it was a mortal sin, it couldn’t be to me because you have to have full knowledge that its grave matter, so I received communion.

But for some reason, I still feel really guilty. I’m not sure why…I’ll go to confession this week…I’ve prayed about it…do you think that I actually did commit a mortal sin and then I received communion?

In situations like these, or when I am aware of sins I have committed, I just sit down and don’t receive communion. If you feel guilty, it could be considered as a sin. So best would be confess it asap God Bless

 

[Padraig1972]

When you feel guilty and for example sit down and begin think about it, the best thing is to take it to confession and explain it to The Lord.

Blessings.

 

[Batfink]

Bottom line: no-one here can judge the state of your soul. Go to confession asap (at least that shouldn’t be hard to find during Holy Week ) and explain everything to the priest, including that you received communion. It may be that you are in mortal sin, it may not, either way he will sort you out and possibly give you some advice to help you in the future. Think of the graces you will receive!

After having said that, I will add that the fact that you are experiencing guilt does not automatically mean you are in mortal sin. Different people’s consciences are formed differently and a feeling of guilt can have little or no relation to the gravity of the sin. Quite frankly, the Church has to fight so hard against popular culture in promoting chastity that sins of impurity can seem to be far graver matter than other sins. Also, in receiving communion, we are more than usually conscious of the relationship between our bodies and souls, asking Jesus to enter our body and make his home there. So, sins which defile our body appear in starker contrast to the purity of him whom we receive and we may feel even less worthy. Do you think you would feel the same if the sin had been something else which didn’t concern chastity - say you committed perjury for example?

Explain everything to the priest. Say that you weren’t sure whether you were in mortal sin or not and that you would like help in forming your conscience.

I don’t know whether or not you received communion in a state of mortal sin … but I know what you can do about it!

 

[King_Lazy]

It doesn’t sound like mortal sin, but whenever you’re in doubt, just go to confession.

 

[ricofall]

Well I am guessing that you are young because of the way the situation sounds.

First off, it sounds like he was trying to ‘Second base’. Let me help you out. He will most likely try again and push further. That is what hormonal boys normally do. You need to stand your ground (like you did) and prevent that. If he does not respect your limits, than maybe you do not need him. With that said, I personally do not think you committed a mortal sin. However, he may have depending on his intentions.

Remember that we live in a culture that idolizes fornication and other sins. Popular culture teaches us that they have no consequences. Just look around you to see what sin can cause.

 

[Cristiano]

So long story short, I was kissing my boyfriend when he touched my breast (underneath my clothes). At the time I didn’t really care too much, I did try and push him away somewhat, but I didn’t try hard enough. The next Sunday morning I felt really guilty and wondered if that had been a mortal sin…I couldn’t make it to confession before Mass. But then I decided that since I wasn’t sure if it was a mortal sin, it couldn’t be to me because you have to have full knowledge that its grave matter, so I received communion.

But for some reason, I still feel really guilty. I’m not sure why…I’ll go to confession this week…I’ve prayed about it…do you think that I actually did commit a mortal sin and then I received communion?

I do not know that state of your soul. However, if I were you I would be careful in saying that if you are not sure that it is not a mortal sin then it couldn’t be. This is often the first step in rationalizing our behaviors to make us feel good and not guilty.

The rule of thumb should be that if you are making out to the point of sexual arousal and starting with intimate touching then you are already into the area of grave matter. You know that it is grave matter and nobody forces you to it. Rationalizing to feel good can bring us deeper into sin and into detachment from God, do not play with it, it is too dangerous.

Talk to a priest about what you did and about your thought process that brought you to receive communion. He might help you in shaping your conscience with a few good suggestions. Your goal should not be to fret too much on what you did wrong but to become a holier parson and talking to a priest can really help. Give yourself some credit because you are already asking the proper questions, you are already trying to become an even better person.

 

[Bookcat]

Not what you asked …but this will be good reading for all.

ewtn.com/expert/answers/dating.htm from a writer at EWTN …

(One note though on this reading…I would note that when they say “as soon as he begins to enjoy…” under “pure intent”… it would mean before knowing consent…)

It can be good reading for all involved in dating.

 

[ProVobis]

But then I decided that since I wasn’t sure if it was a mortal sin, it couldn’t be to me because you have to have full knowledge that its grave matter…

True, but aside from knowlingly being in mortal sin, how can one receive in the right disposition if even the smallest thing (receiving a traffic ticket before Mass, having fought with the spouse, etc.) is the primary focus? Just a thought.