Mortal Sins

[SANDEL]

What are mortal sins? Is this the only thing that would stop someone from receving communion?

Sandy

 

[Fitswimmer]

Well, if I can recall Sister’s instructions…a mortal sin consists of serious matter, full knowledge and full consent of the will. You can’t do it by accident. While venial sins damage the grace in our souls that we received in baptism-mortal sin destroys it and the only way to repair the damage is to make a good Confession.

As for specifics:

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-20). Paul also tells the Corinthians, “know you no that the unjust shall not possess the kingdom of God? Do not err: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, Nor the effeminate, nor liers with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards nor railers, nor extortioners shall possess the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). These sins constitute grave matter, and if they are committed willingly and with full consent, constitute mortal sin.

The Church also tells us that the sins of anger, blasphemy, envy, hatred, malice, murder, neglect of Sunday obligation, sins against faith (incredulity against God or heresy), sins against hope (obstinate despair in the hope for salvation and/or presumption that oneself can live without God or be saved by one’s own power) and sins against love (indifference towards charity, ingratitude, and/or hatred of God) also constitute grave matter. This list of grave sins, is based on Jesus Christ’s interpretation of the gravity of the Ten Commandments. Grave sins can be classed as sins against God, neighbor and self, and can further be divided into carnal and spiritual sins (CCC 1853).

 

[Corki]

What are mortal sins? Is this the only thing that would stop someone from receving communion?

Sandy

As for the second part of your question, no, that is not the only thing that would keep someone from receiving communion.

In the Latin rite, other requirements are to have fasted for at least an hour before receiving, being properly Catechized and at least the proper age (around 7).

Individually, a person might choose not to receive communion for a variety of personal reasons.

 

[SANDEL]

That maybe a Latin Rite but is it biblical?

Sandy

 

[rwoehmke]

No the fast, the catechesis, and the age are not biblical, but wise basic requirements set down by our Pope and Bishops who have the authority to do so. They also have the authority to make changes in these requirements when they see a need to do so.

The authority to do so comes from Jesus’ mandate to Peter and is biblical.

 

[Corki]

That maybe a Latin Rite but is it biblical?

Sandy

It isn’t the rite, it is the canon law attached to the rite. For example, in the Eastern rite Churches, the length of the fast is different and even babies receive Communion.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

No the fast, the catechesis, and the age are not biblical, but wise basic requirements set down by our Pope and Bishops who have the authority to do so. They also have the authority to make changes in these requirements when they see a need to do so.

The authority to do so comes from Jesus’ mandate to Peter and is biblical.

It isn’t the rite, it is the canon law attached to the rite. For example, in the Eastern rite Churches, the length of the fast is different and even babies receive Communion.

Good answers - both

The authority comes directly from Jesus himself when he said to Peter (and this also applies to his successors)** Whatever you loose on earth is loosed in heaven.** **Whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven. **This is called the power of the keys.
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B