Was this sin venial, or mortal?

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Oruwaith

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I was looking at a preview for ‘The Thing’ and to the side of the trailer, there were other videos in a column. I won’t go into too much detail, but I will say that I was “attracted” to one of the pictures. I glanced once, averted my eyes, but could still see it out of the corner of my eye. I tried to keep my eyes focused on the trailer I was watching, but I decided to look back and see what exactly that video was and what is was for. After that, I felt guilty because it felt like I gave into temptation and am now worried that it might have been a mortal sin.

I was warned by a priest about becoming a scruple. I can only assume that I am not one, but am coming close to being one.
 
Oruwaith said:
I was looking at a preview for ‘The Thing’ and to the side of the trailer, there were other videos in a column. I won’t go into too much detail, but I will say that I was “attracted” to one of the pictures. I glanced once, averted my eyes, but could still see it out of the corner of my eye. I tried to keep my eyes focused on the trailer I was watching, but I decided to look back and see what exactly that video was and what is was for. After that, I felt guilty because it felt like I gave into temptation and am now worried that it might have been a mortal sin.

I was warned by a priest about becoming a scruple. I can only assume that I am not one, but am coming close to being one.
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For a mortal sin as you likely know…one needs three aspects together (see below)

You have to judge in your case. Your confessor can be of help too.

(in any case…let it be a lesson for future temptations…)

As to “becoming a scruple” you mean “becoming scrupulous” or have some degree of scruples…the scruple is the unreasonable fear of sinning etc…like one sees an attractive person and thinks oh no I committed a mortal sin of lust (when they have really only happened to notice the person briefly and felt spontanious attraction toward them)

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI
  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
 
Now it could be that you started to give some consent…but it was not deliberate consent…not complete consent…that you hesitated…but then resisted…

Do not confuse temptation with consent…or partial consent with complete.

Also our eyes are often drawn to immodest sights. Yes we need to have a reasonable custody of the senses…but it happens. Just cause one glanced at an immodestly dressed image does not mean that you committed a mortal sin. Was it just an immodest image like we see in say the shopping market? (you do not have to answer here…might be best not to…and I am going to bed anyhow…I went but got back up to give you more help)…

It may be that you just looked immodestly at some immodestly dressed image …but not in some lustful or even near occasion of lust way… (I do not know…I am not you…but it is a good sign that you are here concerned and not continuing to look)

As I noted…you have to judge (or your confessor)…it is a bit hard for us to judge…but certainly avoid any tendency to scruples.

Do not overly stress…turn to Jesus with great love and pray. Know he loves you. Make an act of contrition (especially out of love for him)…and come close to him in prayer.

And keep following Christ! In him is true life.
 
This can be of help to you…you may want to save it.

(From a previous post I made)

Based on Tanquerey (but my words somewhat…and others note similar)

When one is tempted…

Now what are some signs of lack of consent or partial consent…

(Of course we can be at fault for our putting oneself into temptation etc…let us avoid near occasions etc…)
  1. We may judge that there has been *no consent *if in spite of the suggestion and the instinctive pleasure …we experience that we do not want it or not happy we are tempted…or we struggle not to be overcome…it we are horrified at the evil…if we turn to God in prayer…(and of course we continue in this way…and do not later consent)
  2. If one does not reject the temptation as soon as one realizes it it is dangerous for one…this is a fault against prudence …
  3. If one momentarily hesitates… but then does not want to offend God or do what is sinful etc…and after that moment of hesitation rejects the temptation–again there is a venial sin of imprudence.
  4. If one resists the temptation in a half-hearted way…one does resist but weakly…or slow way …but in the end rejects the temptation…there would be it seems half-consent…thus a venial sin.
 
Speak with your confessor about this

(and such is of great importance even if you are just possibly developing a tendency to scruples…haveing a regular confessor will help)
 
It’s interesting how sin can sneak up on you. Sin comes in a very attractive package, but before you know it, you’re caught in its’ snare. From your comments I don’t believe the sin was a mortal one, but instead of agonizing over this, try looking at sin from another perspective.

While the Catholic Church teaches that sin is either venial or mortal (deadly), when you realize that all sin is an abomination to God, you will begin to see sin in its’ true light. It is not that you committed a venial or mortal sin, but that you just stepped out of relationship with God.

But the Good News is that, as long as you sincerely repent (tell God you’re sorry) and go to confession, you will be forgiven. But to really turn away from the sin, you need to not go there. If you know that looking at certain pictures will lead you to sin, don’t even start looking at the pictures. Because of our weak human nature, we have to fight against ourselves and most times, we end up losing. The better thing to do is to be aware of your weaknesses and stay away from the situation altogether.

If you’re on a diet, you don’t leave unhealthy snacks in the house because at some point they’ll become a source of temptation (ask any dieter). If you have an addiction to alcohol, you probably shouldn’t be working in a bar either (putting yourself in a tempting situation). Can you see that when we put ourselves in a position where we might sin, we end up committing that very sin? It’s not a question of willpower. Because we’re human, we’re prone to sin. It’s that simple.

Work on developing a close relationship with God. Try to hear His voice–when you’re in church, when you have a problem, when you need help. God is always there, but you have to figure out how to hear Him. Also, call upon the Holy Spirit to give you the strength and courage to overcome sin. If you pray before a situation, He will give you the grace you need to overcome the sin. For God says, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

God Bless
 
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