D
dizzy_dave
Guest
Is it a sacralege to pray a prayer of spiritual communion while in a state of mortal sin? Isn’t it like taking Communion while in a state of mortal sin? Thank you and God bless.
- Status
J
Joysong
Guest
Hi Dave,
No sin at all. We are taught that God dwells substantially in every created person, even one in mortal sin. Otherwise the person would cease to be. St. Teresa of Avila reflected on the horror of somebody committing a grave offense against God, knowing He was truly present as the sin was being committed, in God.
A person in mortal sin who loves the Lord so much as to want to be restored to His friendship and united with Him in spiritual communion, though he may not have access to sacramental confession, he has already purged his heart with sorrow, which may even be perfect contrition. As we know, perfect contrition without sacramental confession, is able to save one from everlasting death if the person dies with this deep sorrow.
Remember the penitent woman in the scriptures? Jesus told her that because she “loved much,” her many sins were forgiven. This incident scandalized others at the supper, who perhaps would have called it a “sacrilege” as you alluded to in your post.
Ah, I think I hear your next question, “What if they are not sufficiently sorry?” Could this be any different than the practice of a noncatholic who “receives Jesus as his Savior?” We know that Jesus honors this good will and intent to follow Him, as evidenced by their changed lives.
Carole
No sin at all. We are taught that God dwells substantially in every created person, even one in mortal sin. Otherwise the person would cease to be. St. Teresa of Avila reflected on the horror of somebody committing a grave offense against God, knowing He was truly present as the sin was being committed, in God.
A person in mortal sin who loves the Lord so much as to want to be restored to His friendship and united with Him in spiritual communion, though he may not have access to sacramental confession, he has already purged his heart with sorrow, which may even be perfect contrition. As we know, perfect contrition without sacramental confession, is able to save one from everlasting death if the person dies with this deep sorrow.
Remember the penitent woman in the scriptures? Jesus told her that because she “loved much,” her many sins were forgiven. This incident scandalized others at the supper, who perhaps would have called it a “sacrilege” as you alluded to in your post.
Ah, I think I hear your next question, “What if they are not sufficiently sorry?” Could this be any different than the practice of a noncatholic who “receives Jesus as his Savior?” We know that Jesus honors this good will and intent to follow Him, as evidenced by their changed lives.
Carole- Status