Would silence be a sin in this case?

[timeandeternity]

Earlier today, I was rehearsing with my string quartet, and one of the members took Jesus’ name in vain. There was some silence afterwards, and it would have been a reasonable opportunity for me to briefly and charitably say something to him. However, human fear kicked in (again–for those of you who have read my other posts, you probably know this is a problem for me), and I just kept thinking, “Do I really have to say something under pain of mortal sin? Am I participating in this sin by being silent?”

From the catechism:
** Q. 3.** I heard that there were nine ways in which a person can be an accessory to another’s sin?
A. Under the old teachings of the Catholic Church, the faithful were asked to memorize the nine ways of being an accessory to another person’s sins. The following consist of the old teaching: By counsel; by command; by consent; by provocation; by praise or flattery; by concealment; by partaking; by silence; by defense of the ill done.

I am inclined to assume that I have committed a mortal sin in this case–I know that it’s grave matter to participate in another’s mortal sin, but I kept silent anyways. However, because I do have some degree of scrupulosity (though not severe), I would like a second (and/or third and/or fourth, etc.) opinion on this.

 

[Nita]

My personal thought is that, if you say something to him, it should be done privately, not publicly in the presence of the other members.

I think, whenever we hear someone using God’s name in vain or cursing, it’s a good practice to immediately make quick, short, silent prayers:
to ask God to forgive and bless the person;
to make a prayer in praise of God’s name;
and to pray the “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

 

[Nita]

Earlier today, I was rehearsing with my string quartet, and one of the members took Jesus’ name in vain. There was some silence afterwards, and it would have been a reasonable opportunity for me to briefly and charitably say something to him. However, human fear kicked in (again–for those of you who have read my other posts, you probably know this is a problem for me), and I just kept thinking, “Do I really have to say something under pain of mortal sin? Am I participating in this sin by being silent?”

From the catechism:
** Q. 3.** I heard that there were nine ways in which a person can be an accessory to another’s sin?
A. Under the old teachings of the Catholic Church, the faithful were asked to memorize the nine ways of being an accessory to another person’s sins. The following consist of the old teaching: By counsel; by command; by consent; by provocation; by praise or flattery; by concealment; by partaking; by silence; by defense of the ill done.

Your “silence” was after the action - not before. He had already used Our Lord’s name in vain. If you and he had been having a discussion and he said there was nothing wrong with using Jesus’ name in a derogatory manner - and you remained silent and did not say otherwise, that would be more likely to be a sin of silence. I think it has more to do with silence beforehand - when our words might have illumined and dissuaded a person from sinning.

I don’t mean to imply that we don’t have any responsibility to speak to a person after they have performed a sinful act - especially if it’s something they are likely to repeat. But I think we have to do it in as charitable way as possible so the person is more likely to receive and respond to our words. To say it to him publicly might only serve to embarrass and anger him, and make him even more determined to do something he knows you disapprove of.

I am inclined to assume that I have committed a mortal sin in this case–I know that it’s grave matter to participate in another’s mortal sin, but I kept silent anyways. However, because I do have some degree of scrupulosity (though not severe), I would like a second (and/or third and/or fourth, etc.) opinion on this.

Keep in mind that you do not know whether the person is guilty of mortal sin - only God knows that.

 

[CountrySteve]

Earlier today, I was rehearsing with my string quartet, and one of the members took Jesus’ name in vain. There was some silence afterwards, and it would have been a reasonable opportunity for me to briefly and charitably say something to him. However, human fear kicked in (again–for those of you who have read my other posts, you probably know this is a problem for me), and I just kept thinking, “Do I really have to say something under pain of mortal sin? Am I participating in this sin by being silent?”

From the catechism:
Q. 3. I heard that there were nine ways in which a person can be an accessory to another’s sin?
A. Under the old teachings of the Catholic Church, the faithful were asked to memorize the nine ways of being an accessory to another person’s sins. The following consist of the old teaching: By counsel; by command; by consent; by provocation; by praise or flattery; by concealment; by partaking; by silence; by defense of the ill done.

I am inclined to assume that I have committed a mortal sin in this case–I know that it’s grave matter to participate in another’s mortal sin, but I kept silent anyways. However, because I do have some degree of scrupulosity (though not severe), I would like a second (and/or third and/or fourth, etc.) opinion on this.

idk if being silent was a sin or not but i would talk to him anyways and i would say something like hey man i dont liek it when you use the Lord’s name in vain do you think you can not do that

 

[joanofarc2008]

I don’t think it is necessarily a mortal sin - however I don’t think you should sit quietly either if this is a habit that the other members have. Maybe taking the other person off to the side and just telling him/her that this behavior makes you uncomfortable but that you really respect their friendship enough to let them know may make things a lot better.

 

[mariafransisca2]

Yes, you should tell the man. Whatever it may cost you. But do it discreetly and prudently.

Maybe it’s the promptings of the holy spirit.

St. John the Baptist got beheaded for saying the truth and for telling herodes it was not right to take his brothers’ wife.

We need to be martyrs for Jesus, body and soul

 

[YoungCatholic21]

Earlier today, I was rehearsing with my string quartet, and one of the members took Jesus’ name in vain. There was some silence afterwards, and it would have been a reasonable opportunity for me to briefly and charitably say something to him. However, human fear kicked in (again–for those of you who have read my other posts, you probably know this is a problem for me), and I just kept thinking, “Do I really have to say something under pain of mortal sin? Am I participating in this sin by being silent?”

From the catechism:
** Q. 3.** I heard that there were nine ways in which a person can be an accessory to another’s sin?
A. Under the old teachings of the Catholic Church, the faithful were asked to memorize the nine ways of being an accessory to another person’s sins. The following consist of the old teaching: By counsel; by command; by consent; by provocation; by praise or flattery; by concealment; by partaking; by silence; by defense of the ill done.

I am inclined to assume that I have committed a mortal sin in this case–I know that it’s grave matter to participate in another’s mortal sin, but I kept silent anyways. However, because I do have some degree of scrupulosity (though not severe), I would like a second (and/or third and/or fourth, etc.) opinion on this.

Yes, these are the teachings of the Faith. Scrupulosity is a cross one bears, yet it teaches us to be prudent. Think of it this way, what if you had told him aloud that using the Lord’s name in vain was sinful, and he shouldn’t do that? If you did, you would have done your part. However, you did not. If you’re not likely to take him aside to admonish him, then do it right when it happens. Yes you have sinned through human respect (the fear you mentioned), and were accessory by silence.

Using God’s name in vain is a very serious sin, and you should refrain from being near such a person, if he does it frequently then it is an occasion of sin for you. You may end up using God’s name in vain as well.

Go to confession, please. God Bless You!

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Earlier today, I was rehearsing with my string quartet, and one of the members took Jesus’ name in vain. There was some silence afterwards, and it would have been a reasonable opportunity for me to briefly and charitably say something to him. However, human fear kicked in (again–for those of you who have read my other posts, you probably know this is a problem for me), and I just kept thinking, “Do I really have to say something under pain of mortal sin? Am I participating in this sin by being silent?”

From the catechism:
** Q. 3.** I heard that there were nine ways in which a person can be an accessory to another’s sin?
A. Under the old teachings of the Catholic Church, the faithful were asked to memorize the nine ways of being an accessory to another person’s sins. The following consist of the old teaching: By counsel; by command; by consent; by provocation; by praise or flattery; by concealment; by partaking; by silence; by defense of the ill done.

I am inclined to assume that I have committed a mortal sin in this case–I know that it’s grave matter to participate in another’s mortal sin, but I kept silent anyways. However, because I do have some degree of scrupulosity (though not severe), I would like a second (and/or third and/or fourth, etc.) opinion on this.

Forget about it. One word slips out, the guy doesn’t need others jumping his case. But if it happens a lot, then like other posters say, mention it discreetly if you think you need to.

Bear with wrongs patiently is just as much an act of mercy as admonishing the sinner.

Admonish the sinner is concern for the other’s soul. Telling him one time, discreetly, is the most you should likely do. Then it’s between him and God and you have washed your hands of his blood.

Bearing wrong patiently means don’t make it About You. It isn’t about whether you are offended, it’s about whether the other is sinning. Whether he sins is under his control; whether you are offended is not.

So relax, and by doing so you’ll be performing acts of mercy.

Alan