Please help!

[timeandeternity]

I read somewhere that it could be a mortal sin if you have an opportunity to make a sacrifice for the good of another’s soul, but think, “They’re not worth it, I’d rather please myself than make a sacrifice for them.” In this case, it wouldn’t be the omission so much as the attitude that would be mortal. However, I brought up a similar situation to a couple of priests (though I didn’t explain it very thoroughly) and they said that not making a sacrifice is not a mortal sin.
The other day I had an opportunity to make a small sacrifice (not eating a cookie) for my younger sister who is getting to a tricky age, and needs all the spiritual help she can get. My brain immediately thought, “Well, I’d rather eat this than make a sacrifice for my sister.” I deliberately pushed this thought out of my mind so that I could eat the cookie without feeling guilty, all the time remembering what I had read, but telling myself that I should just quiet my conscience and ignore the thought.
I’m not 100% sure this was mortal, mainly because I know that I’m mildly scrupulous, but I think it very well could be. I would really appreciate some help.

 

[mgoforth]

Without full knowledge of your situation, it’s hard for me to give you a concrete, yes-or-no answer. I’m assuming that you’re still fairly young yourself - a teenager perhaps - since you have a sister who’s just beginning to form her conscience. I would agree that it sounds like you’re mildly scrupulous, as I am myself. Maybe breaking the situation down a little would help you figure this out.

Of course, by itself eating a cookie is not sinful at all, so what you’re asking about is the context of your action. There is some truth in the thought that “placing a stumbling block” in front of someone with potentially weaker faith is a sin to be avoided. If seeing you eat a cookie was a temptation for your sister to sin in some way (maybe not listening to your parents?), and if you knew that she would be tempted but decided to eat the cookie anyway…then yes, it would be sinful. However, I’m not sure if eating a cookie when you’re not supposed to would qualify as a “grave matter”, even for a young child? This may only be a venial sin. Certainly it would not be serious enough for an adult to constitute mortal sin. Your priest could help you make that determination.

Also, I think your explanation to the priest may have been confusing if you described it as “not making a sacrifice”. What you probably should have said instead is, “I think I supplied temptation for my young sister to commit a sin.” Then explain her age and the situation with the cookie. See what I mean? The sin would not be failing to make a sacrifice, it would be tempting another to sin.

After that, if the priest said it was not a mortal sin, you should trust his judgment and allow yourself to be forgiven and move on with your life.

I hope this helps.

 

[Joe_5859]

Listen to your priests’ judgment on the matter. This is especially necessary for those who are “mildly scrupulous”. Trust that Jesus is guiding you through the ones who share in the bishop’s power to bind and loose through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

 

[purplesunshine]

Those scruplous or inclined to mental issues need to be especally careful in denying food items. No one needs a cookie, but next it may be having a smaller meal, etc.

It CANNOT be a mortal sin not to sacrafice. Sacrifice is not a mortal matter. Being wholly selfish and nasty in sacrifice is probably a venial sin. (namecalling, sulking becuase someone else ate the cookie) Gluttony can be a mortal sin, but one cookie is NOT gluttony. Infact, if the cookie got thrown out that’s probably a bigger sin. I think you’re twisting words.

 

[chris138]

I agree listen to the priest.

If you want to make a special offering for your sister then do so…it is a wonderful act: for example on Thurs. I will offer up 1 rosary, say a Hail Mary, have no computer/tv time or candy. But not on the spur of the moment when the cookie is in your hand!!! This gives you time to pray and prepare for this sacrifice.

As far as being mildly scrupulous you need to be careful with these things and have a good and holy preist who can help you discern.

Sounds like you are a great big sister/brother we should all be so lucky to have siblings who are concerned about us enough to make sacrifices on our behalf.

 

[JRKH]

Listen to your priests’ judgment on the matter. This is especially necessary for those who are “mildly scrupulous”. Trust that Jesus is guiding you through the ones who share in the bishop’s power to bind and loose through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Two priests have told you it is not a mortal sin but you decide to come here and ask us…
You seem to be having difficulty in letting go of the matter after receiving clear and sound advice from your priest/confessor etc.

Consider carefully why you would do this.

Perhaps, since you say that you are “mildly scrupulous”, this is something you should discuss with your priest. Why can’t you let go of the matter??

Peace
James

 

[timeandeternity]

JRKH, I talked to two priests about *similar *situations, quite a while back, but not with much thoroughness. If I were to talk to a priest about this particular situation, I wouldn’t feel the need to come here. Thank you for your concern, though.

mgoforth, I think you’ve misunderstood. I wanted to eat a cookie, but thought of giving it up in order to make a sacrifice for the good of my sister’s soul. She wasn’t around at the time. Yes, it would be different if it would somehow cause scandal, but that wasn’t the case.

Thank you everyone for your help.