Coolduude:
- There is a difference between “grave matter” and telling someone they “are in mortal sin if they do x.” To my knowledge, the Catholic Church has not pronounced thatany specific act is a mortal sin. A grave matter? Yes. Mortal? No. Telling anyone “you are in mortal sin” presupposes that we know the level of of their (internal) consent, their understanding of their own acts, etc. Since we can never be sure of that. we can never know when anyone is “in mortal sin.” Only God knows that.
- We can never know when anyone is “in mortal sin,” now. We certainly cannot know what circumstances the OP may deal with tomorrow which impedes his church attendance.
That’s the trees. Let’s look at the forest.
OP comes here frequently, over and over again, generally asking whether “Doing X places us in mortal sin.” Often OP seems to seek a bit of guidance about OP’s own conduct. Now, I will pass on why OP feels the need to constantly ask us that as to various deeds – most of which seem, to my eye, exceedingly modest at absolutely worst (and harmless at best).
Now, let’s remember what “mortal sin” is, okay? It’s the state of being cut off from God. totally and completely.
Now you tell me: Do you really, genuinely believe that anyone who asks a question like, “I did X, was it a mortal sin?” – and particularly OP, if you read OP’s posts – is in serious danger of being so far cut off from God that they can be said to have cut themselves off, completely? Heck, I speculate that anyone with enough conscience to even ask if other Catholics think they are “in mortal sin” probably are NOT. Why? Because if they were they wouldn’t care, and or at least would feel no remorse, such to even ask the question. If you’re not seeking God sincerely, you woudn’t likely be on these boards, IMHO (absent being a troll)!
It’s with that backdrop that you told OP he would be “off to hell if he died” after missing mass tomorrow (today?).
I have never, ever told anyone they are in mortal sin, and, quite frankly, neither should anyone else make that judgment.
OP: I think you’re doing fine, and were not disrespectful.