Silly question.. is this a sin?

[TemplarKnight1]

So I was at mass this afternoon and as everyone was kneeling for the consecration, (as they were offering the body and blood of Christ), the person in front of me pulls a fart. The people beside him laugh quietly and I turn right and see my bro just smiling at me as if he were about to laugh hysterically. The timing could not have been worse as the consecration is the summit of the mass. I stepped out during consecration in order to avoid bursting into laughter and making a scene… and I still took the body of Christ / holy communion. I tried my best to keep my composure, but I could not help it. There was no intention to sin or disrupt the mass on my part. I actually missed the 2nd half of the consecration (the blood of Christ) because I had to step out.

Sinful or not? Must I go to confession for this? Do I have to go to mass again?

 

[StudentMI]

I don’t think that’s a sin. I actually consider it polite on your part that you stepped out if you couldn’t contain yourself, especially since the person who did it might have been mortified if people had laughed at them. An act of charity, really. But if you’re concerned, ask your priest.

 

[WaitingForJesus]

I think you had a normal emotional reaction and did your best to deal wih it. Stepping out if you felt you were going to make a scene doesn’t seem like a sin to me. A mortal sin consists of the following: (1) grave matter; (2) sufficient understanding of the sin; and (3) freedom of the will. If you are still bothered, then you can always mention it at your next confession and ask the priest if he thinks another response would have been more appropriate.

 

[Mark121359]

A better question would be what was the person who did this thinking. Unless it was someone who is elderly and can’t control these kinds of things. If it was someone who can control himself, then I think it’s sad indeed considering the response and the distraction it caused. Lack of respect and reverence to me.

 

[Meemai]

A better question would be what was the person who did this thinking. Unless it was someone who is elderly and can’t control these things. If it was someone who can control himself, then I think it’s sad indeed considering the response and the distraction it caused.

Somehow this post made me laugh haha.

 

[svid2]

No sin.

I just hope this doesn’t pop into my head when I next attend Mass…

 

[Lisa1967]

I smiled too. I went to a Catholic high school and when we were in 8th grade our class was invited to gather around the altar as Father said Mass. I think he crunched a wafer or something loudly and some kids giggled. I just felt embarrassed. I think you did the right thing by leaving.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I can just see it now. "This is My Body, which will … " BLAAAP! … BWAHAHA!

Sincerely, though, I say you did not sin, and I think ducking out was a Good Choice if you thought laughing was a risk.

 

[Christy_Beth]

The person who farted was probably embarrassed.I know I would have been if it happened to me.

 

[George_Stegmeir]

So I was at mass this afternoon and as everyone was kneeling for the consecration, (as they were offering the body and blood of Christ), the person in front of me pulls a fart. The people beside him laugh quietly and I turn right and see my bro just smiling at me as if he were about to laugh hysterically. The timing could not have been worse as the consecration is the summit of the mass. I stepped out during consecration in order to avoid bursting into laughter and making a scene… and I still took the body of Christ / holy communion. I tried my best to keep my composure, but I could not help it. There was no intention to sin or disrupt the mass on my part. I actually missed the 2nd half of the consecration (the blood of Christ) because I had to step out.

Sinful or not? Must I go to confession for this? Do I have to go to mass again?

You should be glad that it wasn’t one of those silent sneaky ones - you know the one that are so stinky that they peel wall paper - the ones that you can’t identify where they came from!

 

[Mark121359]

The person who farted was probably embarrassed.I know I would have been if it happened to me.

You should be glad that it wasn’t one of those silent sneaky ones - you know the one that are so stinky that they peel wall paper - the ones that you can’t identify where they came from!

 

[Domiy]

While it was likely not a sin, I’d like to point out that you should really start thinking about what the Eucharist really is to help you from being distracted in the future. The Eucharist is the physical transformation of bread into the body of Christ; Christ Himself is present and among all who are in His church. This is not a metaphor or a symbolic meaning; it’s the reality, Christ is there! This should be motivation enough for anyone to sit through the celebration of the Eucharist distraction or worry-free. It takes time, appreciation and practice, but you should work on it. I’ve learned to bow my head in the Eucharist and receive Christ with spiritual fullness even in the middle of children crying, extreme heat, discomfort etc.

 

[Chantal25]

It always come about intention, to hurt or to love. You are the one that know what your intention was. The best person to ask this question is of course a priest but i can see, that it may not make you comfortable to do so but if you want to take your chance, you may learn a great deal.

A sin, is when we do with our mind, intention and will. Sometime, we do it involuntarily. Myself, i would go to the confession because i would feel bad in the aftermath for not putting our lord first regardless the distraction. It is our duty to redirect our thought. I agreed, that it was an act of charity to leave versus laughing for the sake of this person and you did what you thought was best. You can learn and perhaps, you can pray for you to put our lord first and not letting any distraction to get in the way. If i have a judgmental thought toward someone, i redirect my thought by answering in my mind “He/she is perfect”. This work for me but perhaps, for you, it will be something else. I can understand, when you are caught up with laughter or a trigger that cans lead to that, it isn’t comfortable when you know it wouldn’t be appropriate.

All the best to you!

 

[Greg_N]

You’ve got to be kidding me bro (I’m shocked at some of the responses you’ve received to this), what you’ve done is outright disrespectful and just plain immature.
(as someone before me mentioned) one of the prerequisites for a mortal sin is to have a “sufficient understanding” of what you are doing… well, I don’t think you have a sufficient understanding of what the Consecration truly entails (not saying you don’t understand per se, just that your current understanding is undeniably insufficient).

watch this.

 

[TemplarKnight1]

Thanks for the response and the very informative video!

Well, I actually do know fully well what the consecration entails (I go to mass more than once a week) which is precisely why I am feeling guilty and I am asking this question. The event we are discussing about happened right at the exact moment of when the priest held up the host (give or take a few seconds). What was I supposed to do if I couldn’t help it? I also did not want to shame the guy. And yes my attitude was very serious and attention was very much well focused during the moment of consecration to the point that I was not anticipating any noise distractions. In any case, I’ll bring this up in my next confession just to be sure. Thanks and God Bless!

You’ve got to be kidding me bro (I’m shocked at some of the responses you’ve received to this), what you’ve done is outright disrespectful and just plain immature.
(as someone before me mentioned) one of the prerequisites for a mortal sin is to have a “sufficient understanding” of what you are doing… well, I don’t think you have a sufficient understanding of what the Consecration truly entails (not saying you don’t understand per se, just that your current understanding is undeniably insufficient).

watch this.

 

[Greg_N]

Thanks for the response and the very informative video!

Well, I actually do know fully well what the consecration entails (I go to mass more than once a week) which is precisely why I am feeling guilty and I am asking this question. The event we are discussing about happened right at the exact moment of when the priest held up the host (give or take a few seconds). What was I supposed to do if I couldn’t help it? I also did not want to shame the guy. And yes my attitude was very serious and attention was very much well focused during the moment of consecration to the point that I was not anticipating any noise distractions. In any case, I’ll bring this up in my next confession just to be sure. Thanks and God Bless!

You were thrown a curve ball at an unexpected moment, you reacted the wrong way… it happens.
If you couldn’t help laughing at such a pivotal moment in the mass, I suggest narrowing your focus.
Personally I find that many times my mind strays in such instances (oddly enough it’s always at the most important moments when I lose concentration), so it’s best to be conscious of what’s going on.
I can tell you’re a sincere and honest dude; (which is a quality hard to come by in today’s egoistic society), don’t ever let people rob you of that by downplaying the importance of your conscience when it comes to moral integrity.

God bless you brother.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

You’ve got to be kidding me bro (I’m shocked at some of the responses you’ve received to this), what you’ve done is outright disrespectful and just plain immature.
(as someone before me mentioned) one of the prerequisites for a mortal sin is to have a “sufficient understanding” of what you are doing… well, I don’t think you have a sufficient understanding of what the Consecration truly entails (not saying you don’t understand per se, just that your current understanding is undeniably insufficient).

watch this.

Why the guilt trip on the OP? The OP isn’t the one who blew cheese during the consecration.

The OP removed himself from the scene in fear of becoming amused at another person laughing. That’s what the OP did about the situation, that you apparently find respectful. Or if you thought it was receiving the Eucharist afterwards that was disrespectful, then where are the three conditions for mortal sin?

Haven’t you ever realized that laughing, in and of itself, can be catching? Especially during an awkward moment when nobody knows what to do or think?

:bigyikes: → http://dump.fm/avatars/20100903/1283537441197-dumpfm-jimmyjammer-LaughingCatAnimated.gif

Sure it would be nice if we could shut off our human reactions and all be robots. Then we could “celebrate” the Mass perfectly, with total precision and zero measurable flaws. Think of it. Flawless perfection – not a sign of human soul in sight. All of our moves and gestures would be perfect within 20 milliseconds and 0.1 cm…
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

Dear OP. I wouldn’t confess this. I’d tell my pastor about it outside of Mass and the confessional. I’m sure my own pastor would be amused at the predicament and possibly offer a sarcastic reply, “you’re going straight to hell,” or something like that. Then after the fun, he would instruct me as to how to handle the situation properly, and any Church teachings that apply. If he told me to go to confession over it I would, but I’d bet three months of disability checks that he won’t. (Please bet me I need the money.)

A few weeks ago I actually discussed with my pastor about when I get terrible thoughts in my head during Mass. He said he has the same problem, that once in a while right during consecration something will pop into his head and he just pauses and mutters quietly and gently, “Come Holy Spirit,” and continues on. That allows him to keep his composure.

In fact, you know what? If I remember next time I see him, maybe I’ll run the OP scenario by him and see what he says.

Having a good relationship with the pastor, and being in frequent contact with him outside of Mass, has paid off richly for me.

Alan

 

[Greg_N]

Why the guilt trip on the OP? The OP isn’t the one who blew cheese during the consecration.

He’s grown, what he did was immature, it was an accident.
I think OP is fine and does not need to be reassured of the situation in such a condescending manner or consoled with the aid of corny gifs (I think OP is over the age of 13, although I may be mistaken). If I’ve hurt someone’s feelings, they can tell me.

The OP removed himself from the scene in fear of becoming amused at another person laughing. That’s what the OP did about the situation, that you apparently find respectful. Or if you thought it was receiving the Eucharist afterwards that was disrespectful, then where are the three conditions for mortal sin?
Haven’t you ever realized that laughing, in and of itself, can be catching? Especially during an awkward moment when nobody knows what to do or think?

(I’m assuming you meant ‘disrespectful’ in the quote above), but yes, I did find his response disrespectful. If I was present during the Lords Sacrifice on Calvary, and someone nearby “blew cheese” (as you so eloquently put it), I don’t think I would feel the need to draw myself away to hold in my laughter. I’m sorry, is that wrong of me to say? Because as Catholics, that’s the reality. I’m not gunna sugar coat it. (Also, no one mentioned mortal sin).

Sure it would be nice if we could shut off our human reactions and all be robots. Then we could “celebrate” the Mass perfectly, with total precision and zero measurable flaws. Think of it. Flawless perfection – not a sign of human soul in sight. All of our moves and gestures would be perfect within 20 milliseconds and 0.1 cm…

Cute, but spoken (directly) from our Lord:

Mathew 5:20: For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:48: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect

Now I’m no scholar, (and you can take those quotes as some arbitrary/haphazard response to his followers), but the Church seems to take it rather seriously (and I don’t think that’s such a bad idea).

If he told me to go to confession over it I would, but I’d bet three months of disability checks that he won’t. (Please bet me I need the money.)

If your priest(TemplarKnight1) is anything like the Pharisees (which would appear to be a good thing according to scripture), then I’d take that bet!

A few weeks ago I actually discussed with my pastor about when I get terrible thoughts in my head during Mass. He said he has the same problem, that once in a while right during consecration something will pop into his head and he just pauses and mutters quietly and gently, “Come Holy Spirit,” and continues on. That allows him to keep his composure.

If you weren’t so hasty in your response you would have seen (or maybe you did) that after OP responded, I pretty much said the same thing, that: “I find that many times my mind strays in such instances (oddly enough it’s always at the most important moments when I lose concentration), so it’s best to be conscious of what’s going on etc.”

In conclusion, OP either made a mistake or he didn’t. I think he knows full well what he is capable of, and his sincere and honest attitude towards the issue should not (as I stressed previously) be downplayed. This is a good thing, (and Confession is never a bad thing, whether you have mortal sins or not), no cat meme/gif is gunna change that.

Cheers Alan

 

[AlanFromWichita]

He’s grown, what he did was immature, it was an accident.
I think OP is fine and does not need to be reassured of the situation in such a condescending manner or consoled with the aid of corny gifs (I think OP is over the age of 13, although I may be mistaken). If I’ve hurt someone’s feelings, they can tell me.

You’ve got him going to confession over something that was objectively not a mortal sin, and IMO not a sin at all. He, being a Good Catholic, when you accused him, agreed to go to confession. Because even though nobody else on this thread considered it a mortal sin, he wants to err on the side of Placating the Most Offended, which is apparently you. The OP may correct me if I’m wrong about that.

And you hurt my feelings, so I’m telling you. :crying:

(I’m assuming you meant ‘disrespectful’ in the quote above), but yes, I did find his response disrespectful. If I was present during the Lords Sacrifice on Calvary, and someone nearby “blew cheese” (as you so eloquently put it), I don’t think I would feel the need to draw myself away to hold in my laughter. I’m sorry, is that wrong of me to say? Because as Catholics, that’s the reality. I’m not gunna sugar coat it. (Also, no one mentioned mortal sin).

So you would have stayed there and risked laughing or giggling or smiling during the consecration? That’s pretty dumb advice if you ask me. Oh, that’s right; we should all be as mature and perfect as you because not a cell in your body could ever conspire to effect an inappropriate affectation.

Now I’m no scholar, (and you can take those quotes as some arbitrary/haphazard response to his followers), but the Church seems to take it rather seriously (and I don’t think that’s such a bad idea).

I didn’t know the Church taught that if somebody farts during the consecration you had to stay in place, suck it up, and suppress any reaction that might come across to others nearby as amusement.

If your priest(TemplarKnight1) is anything like the Pharisees (which would appear to be a good thing according to scripture), then I’d take that bet!

Oh yes. The Pharisees. The ones Jesus said to listen to what they say but not do as they do? Such as accuse a person of sin for not acting the perfect little robot? I suspect you would take that bet. It wouldn’t be fair, though, because I know he’s not like that.

If you weren’t so hasty in your response you would have seen (or maybe you did) that after OP responded, I pretty much said the same thing, that: “I find that many times my mind strays in such instances (oddly enough it’s always at the most important moments when I lose concentration), so it’s best to be conscious of what’s going on etc.”

Actually no I didn’t see where you had backpedaled before I posted, but now I see where you are claiming you did. But it really didn’t change your accusations; sounded to me like bit condescending. “Oh yes I have those challenges too – except of course I don’t sin when I have them like you did.”

Oh wait that’s not what you wrote. The OP didn’t sin because he obviously doesn’t understand how important the consecration is. That’s the part that I found most condescending. If he really didn’t understand the seriousness of the situation, he wouldn’t have exited. Duhh.

In conclusion, OP either made a mistake or he didn’t. I think he knows full well what he is capable of, and his sincere and honest attitude towards the issue should not (as I stressed previously) be downplayed. This is a good thing, (and Confession is never a bad thing, whether you have mortal sins or not), no cat meme/gif is gunna change that.

I say there was no mistake. And no sin. The poster took the situation seriously and acted to avoid a potential problem. That’s no mistake; that’s prudence. And going to confession over non-sins is scrupulous. That’s why I suggested if the OP wants to “be sure” about it, talk to the pastor about it.

Maybe he should have just loudly demanded, “DO YOU MIND??” That would show that he took the situation very seriously, as well. Like a Pharisee would.

Cheers Alan

Prosit!



Peace, love, and joy,
Alan

 

[TempleofTheSoul]

I don’t see any sin here. The only thing I would call into question is whether or not the person who let it rip did it on person or it was by accident. If it wasn’t an accident then that is the person who needs to go to confession not Templar!

There is no handbook on how to handle such awkward situations and I think Templar did a good thing in walking out before he broke out into laughter. That shows he has respect for the consecration. And I think its going a bit overboard trying to put a guilt trip on Templar over something he couldn’t control from happening.

God bless