White lie - Scruples or Mortal Sin

[NewCatholic88]

Hi everyone,

I’m undergoing surgery tomorrow and went to Confession today to be ready if (God forbid) I don’t wake up from the anesthesia or there are some other complications. Later on today one of my friends asked me what the surgery was for (a very personal subject), and not wanting to be rude and say “none of your business” I blurted out “for my foot” (which isn’t true).

So was this a mortal sin? Should I go back to confession? (“Bless me Father… its been 5 hours” :) Or am I still OK in the Big Guy’s eyes?

Thanks in advance

 

[SarahR]

I can’t imagine it would be a mortal sin. You were in a spur of the moment uncomfortable situation and flubbed a reply because you couldn’t think of something better to say. Praying for you tomorrow!

 

[Bookcat]

From the Compendium of the Catechism:

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.

 

[Cominghome89]

Conditions for a mortal sin: grave matter, full knowledge of sin, and full consent of the will.

First of all, I would hardly consider this grave matter. It was a very personal situation, and nobody was hurt by this.

Yes, you know lying is a sin, but full consent of the will? Did you think before you said it that you were doing something sinful? Or did it just come out because it was the first reaction you thought of?

Nobody can ever judge whether or not something is mortally sinful except the person who commits the sin, because only you can judge whether you had full knowledge and consent. Given the situation, I think you should have a clear conscience. Bring it up in your next confession, but I wouldn’t worry. May God be with you during your surgery and always!

In Christ and Our Blessed Mother,
Frank