Postponed to do mortal sin?

[Arnold1N2D]

For example there’s a man who wanted to masturbate and he knew that it’s a mortal sin. So what he did was to go into his room and lied down. But before he even touched his private part he stopped because e.g his mother called him to wash the dishes (but he didn’t do it anymore) or he postponed because he didn’t want to sin, etc.

As you can see, the sin was not performed, but I think he acted to sin. But, even if he did not perform the sin itself, did he still sin? Venial or mortal?

I asked a question similar to this to a priest and he said "we have something called ‘venial sins’.

 

[Vico]

For example there’s a man who wanted to masturbate and he knew that it’s a mortal sin. So what he did was to go into his room and lied down. But before he even touched his private part he stopped because e.g his mother called him to wash the dishes (but he didn’t do it anymore) or he postponed because he didn’t want to sin, etc.

As you can see, the sin was not performed, but I think he acted to sin. But, even if he did not perform the sin itself, did he still sin? Venial or mortal?

I asked a question similar to this to a priest and he said "we have something called ‘venial sins’.

If the sin was grave, known, and the will determined, and there was sufficient reflection, the outward act only thwarted by circumstances, then there was a mortal sin in thought (in his heart) only.

Matthew 5

27 You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not commit adultery. 28 But I say to you, that whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye scandalize thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee. For it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell.

 

[MtnDwellar]

We have guardian angels who help keep us from sin. If a person was planning to sin, but became side tracked, it may well have been his angel at work.

I’m sure the gravity of thinking about and then committing a sin is less than thinking and not committing.

 

[MtnDwellar]

I’m sure the gravity of thinking about and then committing a sin is less than thinking and not committing.

oooops

I meant this the other way around.
The gravity of thinking about a sin is less than thinking about a sin and also committing a sin.

 

[Alexis]

When in doubt, it’s better to assume it was mortal and go to confession. Even if it was a venial sin, lots of venial sins can build up to mortal sin. Plus, overtime, it will not feel good to be a slave to sin. I’d consider reading The Final Confrontation by Ralph Martin and Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly. Also, fasting and prayer helps mortify the flesh. If long prayers are difficult at first, start by saying some short prayers and focus on fasting. That temptation can take a while to heal from. While healing, I’d give the advice to do small things with love. Even if it’s just washing dishes. What the Early Church Fathers Said About Fasting - EpicPew

 

[exnihilo]

Even if it was a venial sin, lots of venial sins can build up to mortal sin.

If you mean giving in to venial sins makes it easier or disposes you to commit more and greater sins then I agree. But no amount of venial sins ever become mortal. A mortal sin is distinct from a venial sin.