In keeping with my view that the the knowledge and consent aspects effect the gravity (or the seriousness) of the matter I would have to wait a bit to make this determination. What were the circumstances and reason one chose to act this way.
Was it just non-thinking office “banter” or do I truly dislike Sam and therefore tend to deliberately think and say things to hurt him - regardless of what it is.
For as you say in the post above this one…quoting Jesus - evil come from the heart…
Now - you may naturally respond that - such intended and protracted malice would fall under a different sin…and I would agree. In fact - I would go so far as to say that there is only one real mortal sin…the one that we agree is the initial one - willful rejection of God ----- and I further suggest that it is THIS sin that Jesus refers to as the unpardonable sin.
Because just as the initial killing of Charity comes from the interior decision to reject God -that is, to act contrary to Love - the initial rekindling of that Charity comes from the turning back to God and repenting - first our rejection of God - and second repenting any evil thoughts or actions we committed during that time of rejection.
Peace
James
The “willful rejection of God” is not the “unpardonable sin”. Why? for one may still repent and be “pardoned” – however to “refuse” the mercy of God and thus go to ones grave in mortal sin --that is not pardonable.
But to say that such is the only “real mortal sin” would be incorrect. One either is “in life” of grace here in this world or not.
The Church means what we have been discussing when she uses the term “mortal sin”.
Circumstance and intention are yes involved -see the post just prior to yours here.
(I will note in passing (not that you brought it up) that while such can bring about sin even with a matter that is otherwise “good” – etc they cannot make something that is intrinsically evil into a good.)
The " initial killing of Charity comes from the interior decision to reject God" or even if such an interior decision is not present --but the grave matter is chosen with the needful knowledge and complete consent --for any reason.
And in terms of “repentance”…
The initial rekindling of that Charity…may or may not happen right away with repentance.
1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.
(note venial sins can be forgiven in many other ways…contrition…prayer etc etc)
1453 The contrition called “imperfect” (or “attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.52
scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#VII
In ANY case for mortal sin there needs to be grave matter (even which may be involve what would otherwise have been venial matter --such as telling something that was a “little lie”
with the intent of grave harm) full knowledge and deliberate consent.
And my examples there presumed ordinary events not with circumstances or intentions otherwise.
