Little lies - not harming anyone but is it mortal?

[HNA444]

I have gotten so much better at not making up little lies (ex - in the past, if i was late or something I would lie and say an excuse) but today, I simply say the truth as to why I was late. I love that God has helped me in that way. But, now I have a situation in kinda where I don’t know what to do. It’s a long story, but basically someone left me a voicemail saying that they wanted to invite me to an event, but her family (mother and sister, in particular) were not very nice to mother, and they got into a big argument (my mother and hers). Anyway, her calling me will probably ask for me to tell my other 2 ssters to come as well, but none of us want to go. - especially because we don’t feel they like us very much. My older sister told me to call her back and just tell her that it’s my brother in-laws birthday and that we can’t make it. His birthday was actually month. Anyway, would this lie be a mortal sin? I don;t know what to do, because I don’t like lying, but i feel like i have to.

If I do say this lie, and go to confession for it afterwards is that wrong? I just really don’t know what to do

 

[SteveGC]

I have gotten so much better at not making up little lies (ex - in the past, if i was late or something I would lie and say an excuse) but today, I simply say the truth as to why I was late. I love that God has helped me in that way. But, now I have a situation in kinda where I don’t know what to do. It’s a long story, but basically someone left me a voicemail saying that they wanted to invite me to an event, but her family (mother and sister, in particular) were not very nice to mother, and they got into a big argument (my mother and hers). Anyway, her calling me will probably ask for me to tell my other 2 ssters to come as well, but none of us want to go. - especially because we don’t feel they like us very much. My older sister told me to call her back and just tell her that it’s my brother in-laws birthday and that we can’t make it. His birthday was actually month. Anyway, would this lie be a mortal sin? I don;t know what to do, because I don’t like lying, but i feel like i have to.

If I do say this lie, and go to confession for it afterwards is that wrong? I just really don’t know what to do

It most certainly would not be mortal. But it could be argued that it is venial to some small degree, I suppose. We have to remember that truth trumps comfort. Also, it is not sinful to simply say “no thank you”, but offer no elaboration on the reasons why. It’s a bit awkward, but it is quite possible to avoid conflict this way, and remain faithful to telling the truth. Keep in mind that if they were indeed not kind to your mother, then why avoid the conflict of letting them know how their actions affect others? Seems like an opportunity to set it straight, IMO.

Peace.

 

[DianaCC]

It’s so much simpler to say, “Hi, what happened last time between our mother and your mother & sister really left a bad taste in our mouths, so we’re going to take a pass on this one. Thanks! Bye.”

 

[SteveGC]

It’s so much simpler to say, “Hi, what happened last time between our mother and your mother & sister really left a bad taste in our mouths, so we’re going to take a pass on this one. Thanks! Bye.”

Exactly. Take the opportunity to kindly speak the truth. The “small” lie will never help you, or them, in the long run.