Have I committed a sin against the Holy Spirit?

[thelightoftheworld]

Hi,

Some time ago, as I was committing a grave sin, I knew that this was of grave matter and that God was not pleased with it. However I continued this sin a bit being totally conscious of the consequences. I later stopped this sin, repented and went to confession.

I’ve heard a few definitions of the sin/blasphemy against the Holy Spirit but I don’t know if I’m in that case.

My situation now is that I want to do the will of God and love him above all but I always think of this sin and end up wondering on my soul state.

I hope you can help me.

 

[Canvas]

I’ve heard a few definitions of the sin/blasphemy against the Holy Spirit but I don’t know if I’m in that case.

No. You did not commit that sin. That is all.

Some time ago, as I was committing a grave sin, I knew that this was of grave matter and that God was not pleased with it. However I continued this sin a bit being totally conscious of the consequences. I later stopped this sin, repented and went to confession.

That is how one commits a mortal sin. Mortal sin can be remitted in Confession.

 

[Wm777]

You didnt say what the sin was, but it’s only a sin against the Holy Spirit if you deny mercy altogether. All other sins can be forgiven. You would have to be pretty bad to deny mercy altogether. But, since you repented, its forgivable still “there” until you have it absolved, so go to confession and do your penance.

 

[Wm777]

That is how one commits a mortal sin. Mortal sin can be remitted in Confession.

@lightoftheworld - The distinction Canvas is making is between mortal sins and sin against the Holy Spirit.

A sin against mercy is the only unpardonable sin.

Jesus said, “Therefore I say to you, every sin will be forgiven men, except sin against the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 12:31

The Holy Spirit is God’s mercy.

 

[Canvas]

@lightoftheworld - The distinction Canvas is making is between mortal sins and sin against the Holy Spirit.

This is correct. What was described in the OP could be any mortal sin one takes to Confession.

 

[halogirl]

Yeah the sin against the Holy Spirit is refusing to repent and accept Gods forgiveness, but for all your life and up to and including the end of life here in earth

 

[Vico]

…I’ve heard a few definitions of the sin/blasphemy against the Holy Spirit but I don’t know if I’m in that case. …

Sins against the Holy Spirit have six species: 1) Despair; 2) Presumption; 3) Impenitence or a firm determination not to repent; 4) Obstinacy; 5) Resisting divine truth known to be such; and 6) Envy of another’s spiritual welfare.

 

[Irishmom2]

I later stopped this sin, repented and went to confession.

And you were forgiven. End of story.

 

[Wm777]

thelightoftheworld:

…I’ve heard a few definitions of the sin/blasphemy against the Holy Spirit but I don’t know if I’m in that case. …

Sins against the Holy Spirit have six species: 1) Despair; 2) Presumption; 3) Impenitence or a firm determination not to repent; 4) Obstinacy; 5) Resisting divine truth known to be such; and 6) Envy of another’s spiritual welfare.

Got a reference to those species?

I ask because I think they’re way too general, but also would probably do more harm than good for the OP to contemplate (given his/her level of discernment) without more clarification. The OP went to confession in a penitent frame of mind, so - if those terms were misunderstood (and, hence, misapplied) it would likely breed scruples, which could be counter productive to positive formation and spiritual growth.

Many Saints have spoken about Priests who hear confession and dont know what they are doing. They go too harsh when mercy is whats called for. A misunderstanding of such general terms to the lay ear is probably not very healthy.

I’ll attest to it, if no one else.

Take #3 , #4 and #5 in comparison to #1, and assume a penitent had a really bad tendency to backslide, when in fact they were having trouble with a repetitive sin (which we all have). Suppose the person has to confront a bad at some point, and they give way, as a habitual sin; they might regard this as despair and think all hope is lost. Then they decide to turn back and go to confession again, and they find themselves wondering if they aren’t guilty of presumption. So why go? In such a case, it is as if faith is arguably only a merciless sort of obstinacy, whereby the sacrament is received begrudgingly and mechanically, as if penance wasn’t a grace but a punishment.

I’m not a Priest, but I would hazard a guess what is probably best isnt to keep adding sin upon sin in an effort to root out a cause, but probably more to look at the sacrament as an opportunity to heal and experience the graces of Christ’s mercy. There seems to be a better lesson in recognizing the goodness in it than laboring the guilt.

The guilt drives us to confession, if it is justified, but scruples shouldn’t. But - in either case - it is the goodness, mercy and grace of Christ that creates the redemptive transformation.

I dont wish to contradict you. It’s just I dont think it’s what the OP is asking for. References may help clarify what you said, though.

 

[Vico]

… Got a reference to those species? …

There are six, but they are only unforgivable in the sense that when they are a mortal sin it is a willful block to a persons repenting. A baptized person in a state of grace has the ability to remain free from mortal sin, but once falling into mortal sin, has no guarantee of repenting.

Catholic Encyclopedia, Holy Ghost

St. Thomas, whom we may safely follow, gives a very good summary of opinions in II-II.14. He says that blasphemy against the Holy Ghost was and may be explained in three ways.
…
It is easy to see how this wide explanation suits all the circumstances of the case where Christ addresses the words to the Pharisees. These sins are commonly reckoned six: despair, presumption, impenitence or a fixed determination not to repent, obstinacy, resisting the known truth, and envy of another’s spiritual welfare.

Forget, J. (1910). Holy Ghost. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07409a.htm

Penny Catechism

326. Which are the six sins against the Holy Spirit?
The six sins against the Holy Spirit are:
1. Presumption.
2. Despair.
3. Resisting the known truth.
4. Envy of another’s spiritual good.
5. Obstinacy in sin.
6. Final impenitence.

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Q. 433. What are the sins against the Holy Ghost which Our Lord said will not be forgiven either in this world or in the next?
A. The sins against the Holy Ghost which Our Lord said will not be forgiven either in this world or in the next, are sins committed out of pure malice, and greatly opposed to the mercy of God, and are, therefore, seldom forgiven.

Q. 1164. How does a person sin against faith?
A. A person sins against faith:
1. By not trying to know what God has taught;
2. By refusing to believe all that God has taught;
3. By neglecting to profess his belief in what God has taught.

Q. 1182. Which are the sins against hope?
A. The sins against hope are presumption and despair.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

• Impenitence (1864, 1430-33)
• Despair (2091)
• Presumption (2091-2)

 

[Fauken]

Please discuss this with your priest in confession.

 

[thelightoftheworld]

I ask because I think they’re way too general, but also would probably do more harm than good for the OP to contemplate (given his/her level of discernment) without more clarification. The OP went to confession in a penitent frame of mind, so - if those terms were misunderstood (and, hence, misapplied) it would likely breed scruples, which could be counter productive to positive formation and spiritual growth.

I will. Thanks a lot.

 

[thelightoftheworld]

Thank you everyone for your answers. The thing is that even if I didn’t commit a sin against the Holy Spirit I think that I’m highly tempted to think so. It’s hard for me to forget everything.

 

[otjm]

Dwelling on matters is a choice. Inability to make a different choice (that is, to move on, occupy oneself with something else) might imply a need for professional help.

The forums get questions from people who have issues with scrupulosity; I have no idea if this applies to you or not (it does to many questions concerning sin/forgiveness); if this is an issue you struggle with, the very strong response is that you need to speak with your priest abut such matters and not to anyone on any forum. People on forums are not equipped to deal with issues of scrupulosity, and seeking “help” through forums does not provide what is needed.

Again, I do not presume scrupulosity applies to you; if it does, then the help is with either your pastor, or someone he can refer you to.

 

[thelightoftheworld]

Again, I do not presume scrupulosity applies to you; if it does, then the help is with either your pastor, or someone he can refer you to.

I think you are right, I’m quite scrupulous sometimes. I will see a priest.
Thanks.