How do you know if you've committed a mortal sin?

[ethereality]

I have committed what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) labels a grave sin, or a grave matter; see CCC 2351-2354. However, I am not sure it was a mortal sin, due to personal issues of habit, intention and understanding. (For example, one must understand and recognize how grave the sin is at the time of action for it to be a mortal sin, correct?)

I have since repented of the sin and asked God for forgiveness, but was unable to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week. Must I abstain from the Eucharist at Mass – is this sacrament necessary to receive the Eucharist? (CCC 1457 says, “Yes,” but only if the sin is mortal.) Furthermore, is this sacrament necessary to be free of mortal sin, i.e. necessary for salvation? (CCC 1452 gives the answer, “No,” in the case of perfect contrition.)

I don’t think God requires a priest to forgive someone, but Jesus did tell the disciples that whatever they bind on earth would be bound in heaven – more than that, Christ handed Simon Peter the very keys of the kingdom of heaven; see CCC 1444. So if the Church decided to require this sacrament for salvation, to free someone of the eternal consequences of mortal sin, wouldn’t God go along with this decision? And how do you know if you’ve committed a mortal sin?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Because we have the sacrament of Penance (Confession) we don’t have to agonize the way you are doing. Granted, it is easier to acknowledge our sins to a God we can’t see than to a man we can. But such affords us the opportunity to repent in greater humility–and besides such Confession was the Lord’s idea. Certainly it wasn’t something the Apostles asked for.

If you were not aware of the seriousness of the sin and had been in the habit of committing it, your action was probably not mortally sinful. But if I were you, I would go up to a priest and ask for a quick Confession. As priest, I can assure you that people do do this. I mention this because you seem pretty wound up—and absolution is so freeing. In any case, I will remember you to Him when I spend my hour before the Blessed Sacrament.

Merry Christmas!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.