Having trouble understanding mortal sin

[BookofJames]

Hey guys!

I’m a cradle Catholic and have struggled with this since I heard this teaching.

I really don’t understand mortal sin. Let’s say I comitted one, and I’m driving to confession but die in a car crash and am unable to attain perfect contrition. Am I going to Hell? Is the situation really “too bad, so sad, tough luck”? It seems really unfair to me.

What if someone, in their youth, struggled with mortal sin, but died prematurally and goes to Hell. When, in fact, later in life, that person could have become a great saint and gone to Heaven.

You see where I’m geting at? Is it really Church teaching that we can spend ETERNITY in Hell, but, if a random circumstance hadn’t occured, and if we just lived a little longer, we could be spending ETERNITY in Heaven?

Be honest with me. To me, it really makes no sense and seems really unfair on God’s part. I love the Church as much as the next Catholic, but this teaching really seems to override God’s mercy and justice

If I were a beting man, I’d wager I don’t understand mortal sin the right way

Sorry if I sound like a little brat. This has just been in the back of my mind since I was 8. lol

Thanks guys!

-Pat

 

[Zekariya]

Hey guys!

I’m a cradle Catholic and have struggled with this since I heard this teaching.

I really don’t understand mortal sin. Let’s say I comitted one, and I’m driving to confession but die in a car crash and am unable to attain perfect contrition. Am I going to Hell? Is the situation really “too bad, so sad, tough luck”? It seems really unfair to me.

We must rely on God’s grace at all times, whether we be in a state of mortal sin or not.

What if someone, in their youth, struggled with mortal sin, but died prematurally and goes to Hell. When, in fact, later in life, that person could have become a great saint and gone to Heaven.

You see where I’m geting at? Is it really Church teaching that we can spend ETERNITY in Hell, but, if a random circumstance hadn’t occured, and if we just lived a little longer, we could be spending ETERNITY in Heaven?

We do not die prematurely. God alone decides who lives or dies. God would not allow someone to die who was about to believe in him. The Lord hasn’t come back yet because there a more people who will convert:

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not being slow to carry out his promises, as anybody else might be called slow; but he is being patient with you all, wanting nobody to be lost and everybody to be brought to change his ways.

Be honest with me. To me, it really makes no sense and seems really unfair on God’s part. I love the Church as much as the next Catholic, but this teaching really seems to outwit God’s mercy and justice

It would be fair for God to send everyone to hell. Hell is what we deserve. God in his mercy chose to die for us and redeem those who believe on Jesus Christ. None of us deserve heaven. It wasn’t fair that the sinless Christ died for our sins.

 

[Bookcat]

Jesus is quite serious about sin and about hell in the pages of the New Testament.

And we do not know the day or hour…

What though is a mortal sin?

**395. When does one commit a mortal sin?
**
1855-1861
1874

One commits a mortal sin when there are simultaneously present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This sin destroys charity in us, deprives us of sanctifying grace, and, if unrepented, leads us to the eternal death of hell. It can be forgiven in the ordinary way by means of the sacraments of Baptism and of Penance or Reconciliation.
**
396. When does one commit a venial sin?**

1862-1864
1875

One commits a venial sin, which is essentially different from a mortal sin, when the matter involved is less serious or, even if it is grave, when full knowledge or complete consent are absent. Venial sin does not break the covenant with God but it weakens charity and manifests a disordered affection for created goods. It impedes the progress of a soul in the exercise of the virtues and in the practice of moral good. It merits temporal punishment which purifies.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

And what is hell and how could a Christian who was in life – end up in hell?

212. In what does hell consist?

1033-1035
1056-1057

Hell consists in the eternal damnation of those who die in mortal sin through their own free choice. The principal suffering of hell is eternal separation from God in whom alone we can have the life and happiness for which we were created and for which we long. Christ proclaimed this reality with the words, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41).

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

Such involves free choice.

Now is it possible (though we should not “presume” on such) that God gives the grace needed even in the last moments of life??? Yes.

Now is it possible that a particular young person may not have the needed aspects for mortal sin? Yes.

We need to always turn back to God --to cry out to Jesus the Lord if one should fall.

Even in the most darkest places – Jesus can come with his light. Even with the person in multiple deadly sins …Jesus the Good Shepherd --our Hope --can give true life.

But let us always remain in him and walk in light.

 

[BookofJames]

So, if I’m in mortal sin, and don’t have time to go to confession, I can still hope for heaven? God has sufficent grace to rescue me from my damnation? I understand I shouldn’t “presume” that and should go to confession asap, but I can still hope for heaven?

 

[Zekariya]

So, if I’m in mortal sin, and don’t have time to go to confession, I can still hope for heaven? God has sufficent grace to rescue me from my damnation? I understand I shouldn’t “presume” that and should go to confession asap, but I can still hope for heaven?

You cannot presume salvation but, in the chance that you might be dying on the way to confession, you can still hope for salvation. It is best to go to confession asap, if you are in a state of mortal sin.

 

[Bookcat]

So, if I’m in mortal sin, and don’t have time to go to confession, I can still hope for heaven? God has sufficent grace to rescue me from my damnation? I understand I shouldn’t “presume” that and should go to confession asap, but I can still hope for heaven?

Yes. Start by repenting and praying…asking for the grace of perfect contrition.

Remember one can have the grace of perfect contrition (out of love of God above all) and still have other lesser motives.

Perfect contrition is compatible with lessor motives.

 

[BookofJames]

Yes. Start by repenting and praying…asking for the grace of perfect contrition.

Remember one can have the grace of perfect contrition (out of love of God above all) and still have other lesser motives.

Perfect contrition is compatible with lessor motives.

That’s a relief!!! can you give me any links explaining perfect contrition more deeply?

 

[IrishRush]

That’s a relief!!! can you give me any links explaining perfect contrition more deeply?

Try this one -
catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=35519

 

[BookofJames]

Try this one -
catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=35519

That’s awesome!

Thanks!!

 

[JimR-OCDS]

That’s a relief!!! can you give me any links explaining perfect contrition more deeply?

**Only God forgives sin
**
1441 Only God forgives sins.39 Since he is the Son of God, Jesus says of himself, “The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” and exercises this divine power: "Your sins are forgiven."40 Further, by virtue of his divine authority he gives this power to men to exercise in his name. scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#1441

Understanding that only God forgives sins, asking for his forgiveness is first and foremost.

Next come reconciliation with the Church.

Don’t take either lightly.

Jim

 

[dshix]

I’m thoroughly puzzled that no one has yet mentioned Confession of Desire in response to the first example the OP asked about.

If you are in mortal sin, and are driving to confession and die because of a crash, you have received confession of desire, because you were repentant and fully intended to go to confession.

 

[Zekariya]

I’m thoroughly puzzled that no one has yet mentioned Confession of Desire in response to the first example the OP asked about.

If you are in mortal sin, and are driving to confession and die because of a crash, you have received confession of desire, because you were repentant and fully intended to go to confession.

They have, namely perfect contrition. Here is Catholic Answers Apologist, Jim Blackburn:

In a sense, the Church does indeed recognize a “reconciliation of desire” - perfect contrition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) defines contrition as “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again” (CCC 1451).

For contrition to forgive sins it must arise out of our love of God. “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” (CCC 1452).

Source: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=20723

 

[Bookcat]

Understanding that only God forgives sins, asking for his forgiveness is first and foremost.

Next come reconciliation with the Church.

Don’t take either lightly.

Jim

1442 Christ has willed that in her prayer and life and action his whole Church should be the sign and instrument of the forgiveness and reconciliation that he acquired for us at the price of his blood. But he entrusted the exercise of the power of absolution to the apostolic ministry which he charged with the "ministry of reconciliation."42 The apostle is sent out “on behalf of Christ” with “God making his appeal” through him and pleading: "Be reconciled to God."43

The ordinary way for forgiveness of mortal sins is via confession.

1445 … Reconciliation with the Church is inseparable from reconciliation with God.

Yes one should certainly start out with prayer to God seeking forgiveness…on your way to confession…

 

[Bookcat]

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.51

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#1441

 

[dshix]

They have, namely perfect contrition. Here is Catholic Answers Apologist, Jim Blackburn:

In a sense, the Church does indeed recognize a “reconciliation of desire” - perfect contrition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) defines contrition as “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again” (CCC 1451).

For contrition to forgive sins it must arise out of our love of God. “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” (CCC 1452).

Source: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=20723

Is there not a difference? Believe there is. I could have very imperfect contrition indeed, and am in the car on the way to confession in fear of eternal damnation… and then die. That would count as confession of desire, would it not? I would have a full intent of reuniting myself with God by confessing my sin, but perhaps without it being “perfect” contrition.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

1
Yes one should certainly start out with prayer to God seeking forgiveness…on your way to confession…

No, one should pray to Go for forgiveness as soon as they realize they have committed sin, and then get to Confession as soon as possible.

I wouldn’t want some one to think they can’t ask God for forgiveness because confessions are only on Saturday and they can’t get there until then, and only the priest can forgive them.

Jim

 

[Bookcat]

Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” who goes in search of lost sheep, who knows his sheep and lays down his life for them (cf. Mt 18:12-14; Lk 15:4-7; Jn 10:2-4, 11-18). He is the way, the right path that leads us to life (cf. Jn 14:6), the light that illuminates the dark valley and overcomes all our fears (cf. Jn 1:9; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46).

~ Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20111005_en.html

God always thinks with mercy: do not forget this. God always thinks mercifully. He is the merciful Father! God thinks like the father waiting for the son and goes to meet him, he spots him coming when he is still far off…

What does this mean? That he went every day to see if his son was coming home: this is our merciful Father. It indicates that he was waiting for him with longing on the terrace of his house. God thinks like the Samaritan who did not pass by the unfortunate man, pitying him or looking at him from the other side of the road, but helped him without asking for anything in return; without asking whether he was a Jew, a pagan or a Samaritan, whether he was rich or poor: he asked for nothing. He went to help him: God is like this. God thinks like the shepherd who lays down his life in order to defend and save his sheep.

~ Pope Francis Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Let us turn to Jesus the Good Shepherd with great hope – he is* our Hope* (1 Timothy 1)

 

[Bookcat]

No, one should pray to Go for forgiveness as soon as they realize they have committed sin, and then get to Confession as soon as possible.

I wouldn’t want some one to think they can’t ask God for forgiveness because confessions are only on Saturday and they can’t get there until then, and only the priest can forgive them.

Jim

Yes! that is what I getting at in this thread.

And they can go before Saturday…

 

[Bookcat]

Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” who goes in search of lost sheep, who knows his sheep and lays down his life for them (cf. Mt 18:12-14; Lk 15:4-7; Jn 10:2-4, 11-18). He is the way, the right path that leads us to life (cf. Jn 14:6), the light that illuminates the dark valley and overcomes all our fears (cf. Jn 1:9; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46).

~ Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20111005_en.html

God always thinks with mercy: do not forget this. God always thinks mercifully. He is the merciful Father! God thinks like the father waiting for the son and goes to meet him, he spots him coming when he is still far off…

What does this mean? That he went every day to see if his son was coming home: this is our merciful Father. It indicates that he was waiting for him with longing on the terrace of his house. God thinks like the Samaritan who did not pass by the unfortunate man, pitying him or looking at him from the other side of the road, but helped him without asking for anything in return; without asking whether he was a Jew, a pagan or a Samaritan, whether he was rich or poor: he asked for nothing. He went to help him: God is like this. God thinks like the shepherd who lays down his life in order to defend and save his sheep.

~ Pope Francis Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Let us turn to Jesus the Good Shepherd with great hope – he is* our Hope* (1 Timothy 1)

 

[Cor_Ignis]

I know there’s page and a half of answers already, I didn’t read them all, but I wanted to give some answers to this thread myself anyways.

The Grace of God is not “square”, as you see. There’s a story of Saint John Mary Vianney, the priest of Ars who had the gift to read the consciousness of other’s while confessing them and the gift of knowing things no one could know. There was a line of people waiting for the priest to go into the confessionary, so when he passed near a woman weeping, the priest whispered to her that she should not cry, that her husband was saved. When the woman finally entered the confessionary, she told him that her husband commited suicide, he threw himself from a bridge, thus he went to hell, but the priest told her “He was saved, at the last few seconds of dying, the Most Holy Virgin Mary got from God to make him do an act of perfect contrition, thus dying in grace and being saved”.

An instant is enough to do an act of perfect contrition, as it’s an act of will, a move of your own spirit in harmony with the Holy Spirit. Even if a person can’t, but has the will to confess their sins and get the absolution, God already forgave that person (though if the person actually can get the absolution from a priest, that person must go get it as fast as possible).

God does know our human missery, our limitations, our weaknesses and the fact that we are tied to time and space and how we are quite limited walking in them, and takes that all into consideration when judging us.

Also, no one dies prematurely, not even by an accident or murder. If an evil person can actually become good in the future, God will let them live untill all their chances are over (and still, they have the chance to repent at the last second and at least go to purgatory, though that would mean they become saved).