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LittleFlower378
Guest
CAN someone that has committed a sin that is grave matter still receive Communion even though the person did not have one of the other two parts of a mortal sin such as knowledge?
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Vico
Guest
Only when in the state of sanctifying grace one can receive Communion. Mortal sin requires all three elements. Scandal must be avoided however (and giving scandal can be from mere appearance on sin.)
Catechism
1457 According to the Church’s command, “after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year.” 56 Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession. 57 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time. 58
1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. 59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful: 60
Whoever confesses his sins . . . is already working with God. God indicts your sins; if you also indict them, you are joined with God. Man and sinner are, so to speak, two realities: when you hear “man” - this is what God has made; when you hear “sinner” - this is what man himself has made. Destroy what you have made, so that God may save what he has made. . . . When you begin to abhor what you have made, it is then that your good works are beginning, since you are accusing yourself of your evil works. The beginning of good works is the confession of evil works. You do the truth and come to the light. 61
56 Cf. CIC, Can. 989; Council of Trent (1551): DS 1683; DS 1708.
57 Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1647; 1661; CIC, can. 916; CCEO, can. 711.
58 Cf. CIC, can. 914.
59 Cf. Council of Trent: DS 1680; CIC, can. 988 § 2.
60 Cf. Lk 6:36.
61 St. Augustine, In Jo. ev. 12,13
L 35,1491.
56 Cf. CIC, Can. 989; Council of Trent (1551): DS 1683; DS 1708.
57 Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1647; 1661; CIC, can. 916; CCEO, can. 711.
58 Cf. CIC, can. 914.
59 Cf. Council of Trent: DS 1680; CIC, can. 988 § 2.
60 Cf. Lk 6:36.
61 St. Augustine, In Jo. ev. 12,13
L 35,1491.
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Bookcat
Guest
Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI
- When does one commit a mortal sin?
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.
- When does one commit a venial sin?
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.
vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
It is mortal sin that keeps one from Holy Communion not venial sin.
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LittleFlower378
Guest
what if you not thinking before hand put yourself and someone else in a occasion to commit a mortal sin?
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Vico
Guest
It seems not to be deliberate.
The Catechism has (2284):
Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave offense.
Catechism 1791 (excerpt) vincible ignorance:
…when a man “takes little trouble to find out what is true and good, or when conscience is by degrees almost blinded through the habit of committing sin.” 59 In such cases, the person is culpable for the evil he commits.
Catechism 1793 If - on the contrary - the ignorance is invincible, or the moral subject is not responsible for his erroneous judgment, the evil committed by the person cannot be imputed to him. …
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LittleFlower378
Guest
Thanks Vico and Bookcat, that really helps. 
One can be blinded through the habit of commiting sin which they would be culpable for, which they then should refrain from Communion.
One can be blinded through the habit of commiting sin which they would be culpable for, which they then should refrain from Communion.
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Bookcat
Guest
Depends on what one means…
Apply the criteria above.
Did Sue think - oh I did not realize that this would be something that will cause me to fall into such and such mortal sin -but now that I am in it I will stay…?
Or did Sue innocently enter innocently and not realize until later after the near occasion passed - that it was such.
or Sue enter innocently into such …and as soon as she realized it was such - changed things to make it remote etc…
Rather different.
And was it not a near occasion of mortal sin -but remote? etc etc.
(Not every near occasion for mortal sin that is entered into knowingly or remained in means that there is mortal sin committed in doing so…there can be venial sin…a clear example of a time it would be mortal is when one is morally certain one will fall into such and such mortal sin. Again there would need to be the needed knowledge and consent.)
A confessor can advise one if needed.
Certainly let us avoid near occasions of mortal sin.
Even though there is grave matter present - to commit a mortal sin again one needs that full knowledge and deliberate consent.
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Stat_Crux
Guest
It depends on the particular action you’re hypothetically committing. Whilst it’s true that invincible ignorance means one does not commit mortal sin (because one did not know or have the opportunity to know it was a sin), it’s also possible that for some actions in some circumstances “you should really know better”. That’s especially true for Christians, who having accepted Christ’s sacrifice have also taken on the responsibility to live a Christian life and give witness to the teachings of the Gospel.
In other words, if you’re willfully ignorant I wouldn’t have thought that would qualify as a mitigating factor.
Of course though, if you’re ever in any doubt, go to Confession and seek absolution from a Priest.
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melekali
Guest
M
melekali
Guest
Further, a sin is not venial if it does not meet the two criteria. The difference is grave matter.
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