Is it a sin to fail in one's *personal* Lenten sacrifice?

[Ragazza_Italiana]

Disclaimer: I am NOT referring to Ash Wednesday/Good Friday fasting or regular Friday abstinence. I know that to deliberately nix those is to directly disobey the Church, and THAT is grave matter.

I’m talking about the PERSONAL sacrifices, practices, etc. one chooses to adopt during Lent. The typical giving up of sweets or Facebook, daily Mass, and the like. If one fails to observe these perfectly or even at all across Lent, and does so knowingly and willingly (i.e. not out of forgetfulness, involuntary force of habit, or because of COVID-19), is that a sin? I won’t get into details but I’ve made several Lenten resolutions (maybe even TOO many), but have only really, consistently managed to keep one or two of them (though one of these I “broke” only out of courtesy to the restaurant whose seat I was taking up).

Please, and I mean no offense, but I would prefer as close to “official” answers and sources as one can get over the opinions of strangers on the internet. Thank you.

 

[edward_george1]

There isn’t anything official regulating personal Lenten penances because they are just that, personal. It’s a private devotion. You are free to do whatever you’d like, to not do it at all, to set whatever parameters on it. There just aren’t any rules about it. I would say that if it is a sin, it’s mostly just one of general inattentiveness or negligence, but nothing serious. Just something to get better about.

I won’t get into details but I’ve made several Lenten resolutions (maybe even TOO many)

This is probably the problem, to be honest. It’s better to pick one thing you can do and do it most days, and this goes for anything in the spiritual life, not just Lent. Better to do the small things well than to fail at doing a lot of small things or the bigger things.

-Fr ACEGC

 

[Ragazza_Italiana]

…Yeah, now that you mention it, it does make sense that if this was really THAT big a deal the Church would’ve, like, said something by now. It’s definitely something I should examine and pray about and try to determine the root cause of it, but at least I can tell my scrupulosity to take a hike now.

And I think you may be right on the second point. I haven’t really been… focused this Lent. I’ve just kind of drifting through it without a clear, singular goal, which I suppose naturally follows being pulled in too many directions at once. And then I wonder why I seem to be making no progress! I, probably out of pride, keep thinking that I have to become a perfect Saint overnight and that the fact that I’m not means I’m just not trying hard enough. Huh. Maybe I should give up Pelagianism for Lent…

Anyway, thank you Father, and have a blessed now and eternity!!

 

[edward_george1]

I, probably out of pride, keep thinking that I have to become a perfect Saint overnight and that the fact that I’m not means I’m just not trying hard enough. Huh. Maybe I should give up Pelagianism for Lent…

That sounds like scrupulosity talking. Scrupulosity is often associated with anxiety and compulsions, which often induce a kind of perfectionism. Are you seeking help for your scruples?

 

[Mary888]

What do you mean “fail”? The Lent isn’t over yet.
God bless!

 

[1ke]

is that a sin?

No.

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[po18guy]

1. Was your sacrifice reasonable? The Lord does not ask for unreasonable things - only things that will make the season palpable to the senses.
2. Did you give up and say “Heck with it, I’m going for it”?
3. Have you resumed your sacrifice?
4. You have proved yourself to be human and God knows what you are made of.
5. Such tihngs are much more likely to disappoint the self than to disappoint God. He sees the big picture - your entire life, knowing that you will stumble and fall. Getting back up and and continuing is what pleases the Lord.

 

[ThomasMT]

Personal approach - I specifically refrain from declaring vows towards any particular sacrifice(s). I affirm (to myself) goals and intentions. AFTER they are faithfully executed, I offer them as sacrifice(s). If I fail, I get up and try again. If, however, I were to offer something as a sacrifice BEFORE the sacrifice were completed and then failed, I would feel compelled to confess it… scrupulous or not. That’s just my personal take on the matter.