It's impossible to know if in mortal sin or not

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Nelka

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I know the three requirements but that is obvious with certain sins but when it comes to missing Mass I have no idea. It is possible I am and it is possible I am not.

I visited my mother and family yesterday for her 70th and that takes all day as there are eight or more hours driving involved to get there and back. I have to work the entire day today from early morning right through the night. No way for me to get to Mass. I have missed them all anyway. This situation happens about twice per year like this. The last time I mentioned it to my priest but this time I hadn’t.

I feel empty now: salvation seems almost impossible.

😔
 
Just mention to your priest when you go to confession next, which due to Easter and Divine Mercy would seem like it’s going to be in the next couple weeks.
I don’t think God is going to deny somebody salvation because they had to take a trip to visit their mom on her 70th birthday.
 
If it’s a regular twice per year thing I would mention that too. You may be able to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass.
 
If you are unsure, then tell God sincerely that if you have somehow sinned you are sorry, but you can also state that you are not sure this was sinful given the circumstances. And then just go to confession as soon as possible.

Also, what Elf said.
 
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We know that mortal sin has three requirements:
-It must be Grave Matter
-It must be committed with full knowledge
-It must be committed with the full consent of the will
  1. Is missing mass on Sunday grave matter?
    Lets consult the Baltimore Catechism:
    “Q. 1329. Is it a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday of obligation?
    A. It is a mortal sin not to hear Mass on a Sunday or a holyday of obligation, unless we are excused for a serious reason. They also commit a mortal sin who, having others under their charge, hinder them from hearing Mass, without a sufficient reason”
    Yes it is grave matter.
    2… Did you commit it with full knowledge of it’s gravity?
    That is a simple yes or no question for you to answer for yourself. Did you already know that missing mass on Sundays is ordinarily grave
  2. Did you give full consent of the will?
    This has two parts.
    -Did you willingly choose to miss mass?
    You seem to have willingly chosen to work and travel instead of attending Mass.
    -Are there any mitigating circumstances that justify missing Mass?
    Let’s consult the Baltimore Catechism:
    "Q. 1330. What is a “serious reason” excusing one from the obligation of hearing Mass?
A. A “serious reason” excusing one from the obligation of hearing Mass is any reason that makes it impossible or very difficult to attend Mass, such as severe illness, great distance from the Church, or the need of certain works that cannot be neglected or postponed"
Do your circumstances fit that? That is for you to decide.
I am merely a lay student growing trying to grow in my faith. These are the questions I would ask myself if I was in your shoes. My final word of advice is to go to confession and consult a well trusted theologically grounded priest. May God Enlighten your day and I hope we meet in Paradise.
 
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Nelka said:
I know the three requirements but that is obvious with certain sins but when it comes to missing Mass I have no idea. It is possible I am and it is possible I am not.

I visited my mother and family yesterday for her 70th and that takes all day as there are eight or more hours driving involved to get there and back. I have to work the entire day today from early morning right through the night. No way for me to get to Mass. I have missed them all anyway. This situation happens about twice per year like this. The last time I mentioned it to my priest but this time I hadn’t.

I feel empty now: salvation seems almost impossible.

😔
Click to expand...
Saturday evening Mass fulfills the Sunday obligation.
 
Nelka said:
I feel empty now: salvation seems almost impossible.
Click to expand...
I think you’re going completely overboard with that statement. You didn’t miss Mass because you just blew it off. Talk to your pastor, I’m sure he will reassure you.
 
A very wise Franciscan Friar and priest who has been my spiritual advisor and confessor for years once told me, “if it bothers your conscience, bring it to the sacrament of reconciliation.”

Whether it meets the text book definition of mortal or venial sin will not matter, if that advice is listened to.

Pax et bonum!
 
Don’t overthink this. You drove eight hours for your mothers 70th birthday, then you had to work all of the next day. You were excused from the obligation. You didn’t reject God. You honored your mother.
 
I usually go to confession even if I’m not really sure of the gravity – it just eases my mind and it gives me the chance to ask the priest about it. Until then, I just place my trust in God’s mercy.

In addition to everyone’s suggestions, since it’s a couple of times a year – if a dispensation isn’t an option, see if you can get time off during those times of the year so you can go to mass then.
 
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My friend, I am quick to say, that salvation is here for you, made more evident in this Holy Week. Rejoice, for all our sins have been taken up on the cross. We only need to gaze at the cross, where the Son of Man in being lifted up, and we are healed (of our sins).

As for missing mass, it seems you have a valid reason. You can only do as much. We are not super human. Yes, there are some who would be able to make it to the mass while on your situation but there are some who couldn’t.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. The fact you feel bad about missing it, shows your heart wanted to be there.

God bless.
 
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