I recall hearing a Redemptorist Priest during a mission say that using the Lord’s name in this manner is a venial sin, most especially because of habit. That certainly doesn’t mean that it’s okay to do, but you can relieve yourself from worrying about constantly committing mortal sins in this habitual manner.
Remember, for a sin to be mortal it requires:
- Grave Matter
- Full Consent
- Full Knowledge
Blasphemy is grievous when you knowingly and willfully use the Name of God in a derogatory manner for no other reason than out of hatred for Him. That would be mortal. Don’t do that. Example: In a fit of rage that God would allow someone close to you to suffer and die, you look up into the sky and give vent to your malice by cursing His Name. That would be mortal. Don’t do that, please.
If you are using His Name in a derogatory or insulting way out of habit, but you have no real malice toward God and have not given full consent due to the nature of your habital way of speaking, then it is most likely venial. Example: If you hit your thumb with a hammer and blurt out the Name of God in surprise and pain, this is not mortal. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t good, but you won’t be damned to hell over this. It will definitely cost you some time in purgatory if you don’t repair for it, though.
The commandment to not take the Lord’s Name in vain refers primarily to taking a solemn oath or vow (such as an oath taken in court or taking religious vows) and then intentionally violating the oath or vow with full consent and full knowledge. This is the most grievous way to violate the second commandment.
It’s important to study what the Church teaches about the different types of sin and their consequences. This will help keep you from becoming scrupulous.
Hope that this helped you in some small way.
Pray for me,
Andrew
