When is gluttony a mortal sin? (and a confession question)

[EnglishTeacher]

I went to confession today, and just before the priest gave absolution for the sins that I had just confessed, I remembered that I had also engaged in an eating binge the night before. But I didn’t want to interrupt him, so I didn’t mention it. Now I wonder if I should have.

So at what point does gluttony, such as the incident I mentioned above, beome a mortal sin? Should I abstain from receiving communion until I confess this? Sorry if this is a stupid question; but I’m still a new Catholic and still have trouble at times figuring out which sins are mortal.

 

[LittleFlower378]

You went to confession so all your sins are forgiven. The Catechism states "1857 For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met: “Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.” So if you truly believe that you commited a mortal sin and unintentionally didnt confess it, it is forgiven but the next time you go you can run it past the priest especially if this is something that keeps occuring. You do not want to be too hard on yourself either or focus on the little things when there is truly bigger sins that we are blinded by. Also, be aware that the evil one looks to mess with your concience so your disturbed at mass whether to accept communion. We are all not perfect and make mistakes but if you are not in mortal sin love the mass boldly and recieve your Savior with confidence.

Here is the link to the CCC concerning your issue which goes more in depth:
scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm#1859

 

[Bookcat]

Subjectively you will need to examine yourself as to your actions etc at the time (see the CCC in regards mortal sin).

Objectively (for the future)

As to the form of gluttony that can be referred to as overeating…Individual acts of overeating…intemperance (gluttony in this sense) are “ordinarily” a “venial matter” for venial sin…(ones confessor can also guide one…there can be things that could be grave…like perhaps your doctor tells you if you do X your going to drop dead…)

One example of gluttony that are grave matter…being drunk to the point of one losing ones reason …

(If one omits a mortal sin intentionally (hides it) one is not forgiven that sin or the others…if one forgets it …one is obliged to confess it the next confession. This can be of some help as well jimmyakin.org/2009/12/what-if-you-suddenly-remember-in-confession.html --senior apologist at CA)

 

[Bookcat]

We need to seek to grow in the virtue of temperance…

Catechism:

1806 Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; "the prudent man looks where he is going."65 "Keep sane and sober for your prayers."66 Prudence is “right reason in action,” writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle.67 It is not to be confused with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity or dissimulation. It is called auriga virtutum (the charioteer of the virtues); it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of this virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid.

1809 Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: "Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart."72 Temperance is often praised in the Old Testament: "Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites."73 In the New Testament it is called “moderation” or “sobriety.” We ought "to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world."74

To live well is nothing other than to love God with all one’s heart, with all one’s soul and with all one’s efforts; from this it comes about that love is kept whole and uncorrupted (through temperance). No misfortune can disturb it (and this is fortitude). It obeys only [God] (and this is justice), and is careful in discerning things, so as not to be surprised by deceit or trickery (and this is prudence).75

 

[Joan1969]

I went to confession today, and just before the priest gave absolution for the sins that I had just confessed, I remembered that I had also engaged in an eating binge the night before. But I didn’t want to interrupt him, so I didn’t mention it. Now I wonder if I should have.

So at what point does gluttony, such as the incident I mentioned above, beome a mortal sin? Should I abstain from receiving communion until I confess this? Sorry if this is a stupid question; but I’m still a new Catholic and still have trouble at times figuring out which sins are mortal.

Hi English,

My thought would be that it would be difficult for one eating binge to constitute mortal sin by itself; maybe if the person were deliberately trying to harm himself.

Generally, I would only consider food-related gluttony matter for the confessional if the person were really doing themselves an immediate harm. Mere overweight wouldn’t qualify, but self-destructive behaviors or addictions of any stripe are a really big deal; not only a case for professional assistance but also for the accountability and guidance that comes with a regular confessor.

Then there are other eating disorders like bulima and anorexia. These are very complicated problems, so I’m not trying to make any determination as to when we might be talking about mortal sin, but I would say that anyone struggling with those problems should also be going to confession very frequently as they try to get a handle on their lives. The grace of the sacrament is important even if the sin is not mortal due to subjective factors.

I totally sympathize with trying to figure out which sins are mortal; I have the same issue at times. Hang in there, and remember that God wants to forgive you for all of it and will not put any obstacles in the way, unless you are deliberately refusing Him a repentant heart.

God Bless,
Joan

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

But does an eating disorder qualify as gluttony, or a mental illness?

If you can’t control it, it might be the latter. Again, talk to your priest.

 

[laszlo]

The absolution is valid for the sins you forget.

Next time discuss the ‘binge eating’ with the priest in confession, and accept his answer. I suppose ‘binge eating’ means a contest who can eat more? This can be mortal sin abusing the reason of the eating. But listen to your confessor, he is the judge

 

[EnglishTeacher]

I suppose ‘binge eating’ means a contest who can eat more? This can be mortal sin abusing the reason of the eating.

No, it wasn’t a contest. I was just craving sweets and went overboard and ate way too much candy and chocolate. But yeah, I’ll have to talk to the priest next time and see what he says.