Taking the Lord's name in vain?

[BGR_15]

I’m getting confirmed this Saturday. I had my first confession about 8 days ago. Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of taking the Lord’s name in vain and have done it at least 8 times since. For some reason, they would just come out with no thought at all.

The reason I’m explaining this is because I’m not sure if I will be able to make it to confession before then. Is this a mortal sin?

What should I do?

 

[Bookcat]

1. When does one commit a mortal sin?

1855-1861
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.

1. When does one commit a venial sin?

1862-1864
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

 

[BGR_15]

So would this be venial or mortal? I want to say venial, but I know there is a possibility of it being mortal.

They happened without me thinking about it, so would that make it venial?

 

[Bookcat]

As to what your particular sin was – take a look at the above --you have to judge (ones confessor can help with this–but it seems that you say that they are not deliberate -but just come out??)

As to the future:

---

As the Scholastics would say “always distinguish”

Various authors distinguish between “profanity” and “Blasphemy” in using or rather misusing God’s name …or that of the Saints etc.

Profanity in this sense is to take what is holy (like the name of God) and use it in a profane (ordinary) way …often described as a venial sin (though there can be circumstances making it worse…like scandal to little children…)…(or perhaps even not a sin due to habit …or inadvertence etc)… still of course something not to be done!

Blasphemy on the other hand is objectively gravely sinful…which in this sense would be to use the name of God in a way that expresses hatred etc towards God (or similar…)

Hardon: catholicreference.net/index.cfm?id=32193

CCC scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c1a2.htm#I

Let us “hallow” his name…let us bless it …praise it… especially the name: Jesus

 

[TRON]

If it is any consolation to you this happens to me all of the time. It is something that I really wish I could get a hold of, and through the grace of God someday I will.

I like to think\hope it is not mortal due to the fact that it just pops into my head, however I am sure it must be reflective of some other parts of myself that need addressing.

 

[Balian]

Yes, I too have struggled with this. Especially in circumstances like hitting the old thumb while driving a nail. It just seemed to come out and I always felt so horrible for having such an awful habit. I won’t minimize it but interestingly at a recent confession I was told that uttering “God” followed by an expletive is not the mortal sin of taking the Lord’s name in vain. That would actually be like taking an oath to tell the truth as a court witness (e.g., so help me God) and then intentionally telling a lie. Still I have made a concerted effort to rid myself of this habit but I felt comforted a little to be told this.

 

[BGR_15]

Thanks for all the replies. They’ve been very helpful. I was able to contact someone in my RCIA class and they told me how to make an appointment with one of the priests. So I will try to make an appointment the morning before the vigil.

I hope this doesnt seem too foolish to the priest. I just want everything to be perfect.