Question about telling the truth

[Kathrin]

If I say something to somebody (something about myself, about the way I do things, that is probably not very important to the person) and later realize it might not have been totally correct,
am I in any way morally obliged to change my life to make it true???
Or at least to go to that person and correct myself?

Example: A coworker tells me about a patient who often says something very offensive in a foreign language.
I tell her that even though I am currently studying that language, I don’t know what that expression is.
I add, (half-jokingly?) that that’s because I don’t learn that kind of thing.

Later I realize that of course if I study a language sooner or later I will very likely also come across some offensive phrases, including the one we were talking about. Not that I am somebody who wants to use offensive language, but I might pick it up by speaking or listening to somebody, just by accident, which could also be called “learning”.

If that happens, have I lied to her?
If I say, “I don’t learn that kind of thing”, does that also mean that I will NEVER learn it, not even by accident???
My scrupulous thoughts want to tell me I may need to stop studying any forein languages so I will not have lied. I know that is exaggerated, but the thought keeps circling on right now.
(Because of course that studying is something I enjoy, and my scrupulous thoughts want to deprive me of joy, ha, yeah, I have kind of figured THAT one out…)

But back to the general question (because if I remember right this is not the first time that I have similar concerns): If I say something trivial like that and later realize it may not totally be the truth, do I have to feel bound by it???

Kathrin

 

[JimG]

But back to the general question (because if I remember right this is not the first time that I have similar concerns): If I say something trivial like that and later realize it may not totally be the truth, do I have to feel bound by it???

Kathrin

No. You do not have to change your current actions to conform to something you said in the past.

You’re overthinking this.

 

[Kathrin]

Thanks for the quick reply.
I think I have been. Overthinking this. And things like this.

 

[1ke]

Kathrin,

This is your scrupulosity at work. When you have these thoughts, talk to your priest.

 

[Kathrin]

Kathrin,

This is your scrupulosity at work.

Ok, I guess I should have trusted that thought that if it feels like it MIGHT be scrupulosity, it probably is…

When you have these thoughts, talk to your priest.

I recently had a really big big BIG fear and I talked to a spiritual advisor, and then even called my priest on the phone because I was still afraid.
But I don’t think I can call him every time I have a thought like that?

Ok, but shouldn’t bother you guys either, maybe… (ouch! something else to feel guilty about???)
But I haven’t posted all that often anymore recently I think. And this just sooo occupied me last night.
(It’s morning now here.)

Suddenly then I get these other thoughts that say “what if” (yeah, typical, I know). That make up this whole totally restrictive world in a way, where truth is only seen as literal, etc. Oh well.

Thank you very much, anyway.

 

[Ron_Conte]

If I say something trivial like that and later realize it may not totally be the truth, do I have to feel bound by it???

No.

1. actual sin requires that you knowingly choose the bad act; if you only realize later that there was some minor falsehood to your words, there is no cullpability
2. the assertion itself is not a lie merely because of a lack of precision to the statement. For example, if I’m asked what time it is, and I answer 3 p.m., but then I realize that it is 2:55, I have no lied. My statement was correct to a reasonable degree of precision.
3. Scruples is a term referring to excessive concern about small matters of morality. In any small matter, you should give yourself the benefit of any doubt, if you are prone to scruples. Focus on the more important things of the Faith: love of God and neighbor.

 

[1ke]

Ok, I guess I should have trusted that thought that if it feels like it MIGHT be scrupulosity, it probably is…

I recently had a really big big BIG fear and I talked to a spiritual advisor, and then even called my priest on the phone because I was still afraid.
But I don’t think I can call him every time I have a thought like that?

Ok, but shouldn’t bother you guys either, maybe… (ouch! something else to feel guilty about???)
But I haven’t posted all that often anymore recently I think. And this just sooo occupied me last night.
(It’s morning now here.)

Suddenly then I get these other thoughts that say “what if” (yeah, typical, I know). That make up this whole totally restrictive world in a way, where truth is only seen as literal, etc. Oh well.

Thank you very much, anyway.

No, Kathrin, you can ALWAYS ask us. We care about you.

Also, you don’t have to call your priest right away, when I said “discuss with your priest” I meant at a regularly scheduled confession time when you were going anyway.

 

[Kathrin]

No, Kathrin, you can ALWAYS ask us. We care about you.

Aaaww thank you you are so nice.