Mortal sins

[seanom]

Hello there, Sometimes and I believe it’s scupulosity and from the devil, (although I’m not trying to justify myself), I get very worried that I have committed a mortal sin. For a sin to be mortal does one have to know that what they are about to do is a mortal sin. For example I was in mass, and I knew my dad would have wanted me to go to the sacrament of the sick which was available and I was putting it off. I am not seriously sick so I don’t think I really need it. Anyway afterwards I got a huge fear that I had committed a mortal sin even though I had been at confession less than an hour before that before mass. Any help plz about mortal sin??

 

[Bookcat]

There are particular requirements for receiving the anointing of the sick…so discuss first with a Priest.

As for your general question – best thing to do for you is to have a regular confessor to direct you in terms of your scruples. Such is the age old practice. Discuss your question there with him.

General MS info:

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

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.

 

[michaelmas]

I have had simliar questions myself. The other day a customer or a customer before him had left 30 cents on the counter at the busy local gas station. When I went to pay I saw the 3 dimes sitting there and turned to look at the guy as he was walking away from the store just outside the doors. I looked the clerk and said the guy left 30 cents and I then suggested putting it into the donation box next to the cash register. The clerk agreed. Later that day I saw the same guy at the hardware store pulling out of the driveway. I jumped out of my truck and tried to run him down but to no avail.

1. I am not even sure if it was this guys money
2. I didn’t premeditate the stealing or taking of the money
3. I did try later on to get a hold of him.

I am still troubled by it.

The one thing I forget is that God isn’t waiting their with a hammer to pound us into oblivion. He gave us his Son. He had his Son sacrificed for us. I often forget and still to this day don’t understand that great love.

Sorry for the rambling but I wanted you to know that God loves you and you are doing the best you can.

 

[R_C]

If your illness is not grave and you are not in danger of death, then you do not need it.

CCC 1513: “*The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill *”

CCC 1514: “as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness …] the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived”

CCC 1515: “If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again.”

As for mortal sin, if you confessed to the best of your ability without hiding anything (it is good to have an examination of conscience the night before or before Confession) then you should be properly disposed to receive the Eucharist. Many saints have said that when in doubt of whether or not you are in mortal sin, unless you are certain of being in a state of mortal sin, you should receive the Holy Eucharist.

However there may be an underlying reason for your fear. Some sins are actually just manifestation of deeper, “root sins” - a persona example, I may sin against chastity (lust) but the actual sin may be one of pride, and I confess my fault but have not “spotted” the root sin. Perhaps the Lord is helping you out in this sense, and some spiritual direction could be of further help.

 

[Marie1234]

Hi Sean,

I suggest talking to a priest and getting a regular confessor. Ask him for advice and take his advice. He can help you with your scrupulosity

God Bless you! I’ll pray for you