Is this a mortal sin?

[holly_potter]

This is a two- or three-fold question…
I lied, but I’m not sure if it’s a mortal or a venial sin. Basically, when my dad asked me when I took my medicine (it was Vicodin for a recent wisdom teeth operation), I told him I took it at one when I really took it at noon, per my mom’s instruction. Dad had told me to wait, but mom didn’t want me to be in pain. Family dynamics makes it…difficult sometimes to tell the truth. I didn’t want to get my mom or me in trouble over something so small.

I regretted the sin immediately, and I’m still regretting it. A few days later was Sunday, and I took communion, still trying to figure out whether it was mortal or venial. (If I sat, I was afraid Dad’ll ask me what sin I did) Was that another mortal sin? I’ve always thought that if you took sacraments, you didn’t get the full grace until later, when you’ve a chance to confess. But I learned otherwise from the Apologetics forum.

So, I fully intended to go to confession before Mass today, (holy day), because online it said that confessions were a 1/2 before daily masses. I guess holy days aren’t “daily”, because there was no confession. I was afraid of this, because I was unsure. So, is this absolution by intent? Or isn’t it, because I was unsure?

I’m just really confused right now. I’m planning on going to a different church right across from my workplace during my break on Sat, and I hope I can get in and back before my 15 min break is up. If I’m unable to confess before my break is up, does that count as a absolution by intent?

Anything you can share to clear this up would really help! Thanks

 

[baltobetsy]

Well, holly potter, I’m glad you take your faith so seriously. In my opinion, the lie you told was not a mortal sin. No one’s good name was ruined, no harm was done to anyone, the truth that was deformed by the lie was not of great importance.

Generally, if you are not sure if a sin is venial or mortal, it cannot be mortal, because you are lacking full knowledge, one of the necessary components of mortal sin. The others are grave matter and full consent of the will.

So there you have two reasons for it not to be a mortal sin - lack of knowledge and not grave matter.

Now just one more thing to learn - there’s no such thing as “absolution by intent.” A person can make an act of perfect contrition, which puts one right with God, and it includes the intention to confess ASAP, but you still cannot receive Holy Communion until you get to confession. But if you’re hit by a bus on the way, you should be OK.

If I were in your shoes, I might mention in the next confession that I had received Holy Communion with a doubtful mortal sin on my conscience. But that’s just me. Nothing official there.

Betsy

 

[holly_potter]

Thanks, baltobetsy That makes me feel a bit better, though I still regret it.

And thanks for correcting me on “absolution by intent” It had been what I was told, that if you try to go to confession, but it’s over before you get a chance to confess, that absolves you. My mom said a priest told her. But it’s good to know… I’m still hoping to be able to do confession before Sunday

 

[Petergee]

It was a venial sin at worst. And your Dad is abusing his authority. If he makes you feel so intimidated that you feel you can’t tell the truth about the fact that your Mum made a slightly different parenting decision than him. A sin committed under duress is less sinful.

And NOBODY, not even a parent of a young child, has the right to demand “what sin did you commit?” because you didn’t go to Communion.

 

[Aramis]

Mortal or venial, take it to confession.