How "common" are mortal sins?

[bmonk]

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

1. 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.

1. 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

We must distinguish between “grave sins”–sins with grave matter, which I saw a list elsewhere on page 1 here–and “mortal sins”, which include grave matter, but also sufficient knowledge and consent.

Given that, we can say that grave sins are all too common, but mortal sins perhaps are not that common, especially in a world where many people pay little attention to their sins, or to what they should be doing. On the other hand, failing to pay attention to the state of their own soul to that extent itself indicates a grave sin, and even a mortal neglect of their future. And it only takes one mortal sin to be deadly, especially if we carry it for years of our life.

More to the point, we should ask what can I do to avoid sin and repent of the sins I am aware of, whether or not they are grave, or mortal? I can develop my relationship with Christ, and go to the sacraments regularly, both reconciliation and Eucharist.

 

[CrimsonThorn]

I would say its possible to commit them everyday all day. Like with Lust, for example.

 

[Bookcat]

We must distinguish between “grave sins”–sins with grave matter, which I saw a list elsewhere on page 1 here–and “mortal sins”, which include grave matter, but also sufficient knowledge and consent.

I understand the misunderstanding there – it can be a common misundertanding.

But it is the case that Mortal sins =grave sins =serious sins

They are synonyms

One does not distinguish by saying “that was a grave sin but not a mortal sin”

The terms get rightfully used in both an objective and a subjective manner in the Church.

But yes the term “grave matter” is very important.

 

[Bookcat]

This is one way I explain things:

Mortal sin = Serious sin =Grave sin

The Church uses these terms in two senses (and objective if you will and a subjective). And in both senses the terms grave sin, mortal sin, and serious sin are interchangeable.

Here are the two senses:

1. Objective sense

Murder is a grave sin.
Murder is a serious sin.
Murder is a mortal sin.

(all three refer to the same)

This is one way the Church use the term. Talking about the ‘moral object’ of the act or the ‘objective kind of sin’. Referring to the object itself. Like if I said…do not commit murder for that is a mortal sin.

Then there is this way…

1. Subjective sense

I committed the grave sin of Murder
I committed the serious sin of Murder
I committed the mortal sin of Murder

(all three refer to the same)

This is speaking of when the thing I committed is grave matter …done with full knowledge and deliberate (complete) consent.

Both are true. Both are ways the terms get used in Church documents

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When speaking with someone as to what a mortal (etc) sin is…that is when it is committed. I prefer to use the language of “grave matter”.

But it is still true that the thing itself can be said to be “a mortal sin” in the sense that murder is a mortal sin in itself…objectively.

Murder is a mortal sin is a very true statement. So is murder is a grave sin (they are not two different things but refer to the same)

Ordinarily I tell people “such and such is a grave matter” for mortal sin and if one does it with full knowledge and complete consent…then one commits a mortal sin.