Knowing if you've sinned

[leamar3]

I’ve been Catholic for about a year now, and I’ve been struggling with the concept of sin. Most mortal sins are pretty easily recognizable, but how do you know what is venial and what really doesn’t count as a sin at all?

For example, I got a speeding ticket today and I was pretty angry about it. I know I was wrong and at this point realize I was mad with myself, but as I started to drive away, I was cursing and carrying on about how ridiculous it was that he wrote me a ticket. To make matters worse, my kids were in the car. I later apologized to them and told them that the way I acted is not ok and explained that we should always respect law enforcement officers. I told them I was mad at myself and acted inappropriately. Now, I’m sitting here like, so do I have to go to confession for that? Is that just venial or is it worse? How is a person supposed to know?

 

[joeybaggz]

I’ve been Catholic for about a year now, and I’ve been struggling with the concept of sin. Most mortal sins are pretty easily recognizable, but how do you know what is venial and what really doesn’t count as a sin at all?

For example, I got a speeding ticket today and I was pretty angry about it. I know I was wrong and at this point realize I was mad with myself, but as I started to drive away, I was cursing and carrying on about how ridiculous it was that he wrote me a ticket. To make matters worse, my kids were in the car. I later apologized to them and told them that the way I acted is not ok and explained that we should always respect law enforcement officers. I told them I was mad at myself and acted inappropriately. Now, I’m sitting here like, so do I have to go to confession for that? Is that just venial or is it worse? How is a person supposed to know?

From what you’ve described, wouldn’t consider what you did mortally sinful. Maybe you didn’t set the best example for your kids, but the fact that you apologized and put the fault on yourself speaks to your contrition for the act. One cannot mortally sin in retrospect, and I don’t think your action would qualify as grave matter. Just my opinion.

My suggestion, next time you talk to a priest, (confession is a good place) bring it up with him. A priest is the best source to answer such questions; not necessarily people on the internet, no matter how well intentioned they are.

Shalom

 

[Herculees]

Don’t worry about the status of any sin you commit.
I’d simply recommend that you confess it and leave
it in the hand of God to decide level of culpability.

You did well to let your kids know that the way you
acted was inappropriate. I think it good to own up
to the fact that one does NOT always act appropriately.

 

[Bookcat]

One examines ones conscience- in the light of what a mortal sin is and what a venial sin is…ones Priest too can help. Conscience formation too is an ongoing thing.

Here from the *Compendium *issued by Pope Benedict XVI as to the three aspects that make up a mortal sin …and when it is venial.

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