It’s crazy after going to confession my conscience grows a force so strong the holy spirit protects me from sins I used to willingly commit. Thank you Jesus
Mortal Sin is terrible and doesn’t feel great to be in a state of. Confession is an incredible way of reconciliation and to find peace with the Holy Spirit and Christ. May God give us all the strength to avoid temptation!! God bless
Can someone pray for me? I struggle with scrupulousness and feeling like god isn’t with me or doesn’t love me. I normally am afraid to go to confession and really can’t right now obviously so I’m just not doing well.
Check out the book Understanding Scrupulosity, by Fr Thomas M Santa, you can get it on Kindle. It is very very helpful and comforting. Praying for you!
Pray for you? Done. Experiencing scrupulosity? Every single day. Going to Confession? Gets better every time. It's like lifting weights, hard now and sore later but stronger forever. The trick is to keep doing it.
Perhaps too bold for my part. Why did you choose to come back? I'm in a similar situation, but just drifting away. It would be enlightening to know about your history, if you choose to tell it. I'm glad you're looking out for guidance. I hope you'll find it.
For any scrupulous people out there, please remember: God is infinitely just, merciful, and loving. Only an impenitent heart (hardened heart) can separate one from God. Even if you're at your last breath and unable to have a priest at your side, please keep your heart contrite and open to God's Devine Mercy.
I used to get so concerned about small sins, that I never focused on the greater matters of love, justice and mercy. Then I found myself falling into serious sin, and waking up and realizing, the difference between sins that serious compromise my relationship with God and other people.
@@lilafeldman8630 Yeah, don't beat yourself up over things. Relax a bit, if you are suffering from being scrupulous. I highly recommend reading the book, " Scruples and Sainthood: Overcoming Scrupulosity with the help of the Saints." This book greatly helped me many years ago when I was super scrupulous. You can find it on amazon for about $15 right now. Hope it helps.
Even if compulsion/addiction lessens the moral culpability for sin, I am still going to ask for prayers, I got hooked on pornography about 4 years ago and I am doing my best to stop.
No one is suggesting that you should be fine with it or not try to change! It is simply an acknowledgment that you are not completely in control (and might need further help.)
You're on the right track. It was explained to me many years ago by a priest that what I was confessing it that instance was not mortal sin, due to mitigating factors. He explained that the root word for sin in Hebrew was to go astray, as in a sheep that needed a shepherd and in Greek was to miss the mark, as in archery. You don't always hit the bullseye but you still get points. Keep aiming for that target and remember God's grace and His Bride The Church when you do. You are not alone.
@The Hospitaller Order I'm sorry to hear that. Fasting is very powerful. I recommend doing Exodus 90 (there is an app) with some people - it's very powerful. You will overcome the addiction soon enough.
I have really bad anxiety and this subject has been on my mind. Thank you for your video it really taught me a lot and I hope you stay healthy during this time.
Thankyou Fr Casey for this informative Video. God bless you.Lord HAVE mercy on us. Mama Mary please help me Not to fall in any Sort of SIns. I Entrust and Surrender myself to you Mama. Thankyou.
I came here because I've been confessing the same sin over and over again for years. Father asked me how long I've been confessing this and I said since a teen. He said it might not be a mortal sin because of the addiction/habit. But I still want to overcome it. To stop Sinning, whether venial or mortal, is my goal and I don't want to say "well I'm addicted I can't help it" as an excuse to indulge or whatever. This video helped me understand more, so thank you. I'm a year late here haha
Have you never heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and groups similar? Check around your area to see if there are any. Sometimes churches host these groups to meet. You could likely find one online now that so many things are done online.
I had a similar struggle. It was like a terrible addiction, and I'd have to confess it over and over because I'd do it over and over. Then I was told by a priest who I didn't know very well, that I should fast on Wednesdays and Fridays and offer the fast to ask God for the grace to conform my heart and will to His, and for his strength. This was about a year ago, and the progress has been a bit slower than I expected (probably because I have not been as dilligent as i should) however it has certainly been undeniable. We need to get back to practicing mortification regularly. Also, I cannot recommend this enough, pray the rosary. I never did except a few times a year, but about two months ago I started it as a daily practice and it has really been a source of tremendous grace. By God's grace, I'm a different person than I was. Now I don't feel my day was complete if I don't say my rosary.
Give yourself grace and I’ll pray for your journey on getting sober (if the concept of being sober applies) - too much shame will only impede you. I’ll pray that you figure out what could be at the root of it, whether that’s ur situational circumstances, some other seemingly unrelated act, some unaddressed feelings and events from your past etc. At the end of the day you always have God’s love. I agree with Father and think you should be wary of scrupulosity. Being addicted and acknowledging it isn’t an excuse and might be cutting you off from support - humans need connection for a reason, we don’t have to walk alone.
@@TheFryedIScream I am willing to bet it is masturbation. That is a common sin males have to confess over and over and one priests often say since it is a habit it is not necessarily a mortal sin. It is also a sin that is not in the Bible.
This helped me SO much. I had such a hard time deciphering and bordered on scrupulosity with so much guilt over sins, even ones I felt I couldn’t help due to addiction (such as food). Knowing the difference and having reconciliation when needed bring so much comfort to this convert.
Lies and nonsense. These are not mortal sins! Mortal sins are those sins for which, according to the law of Moses, the death penalty comes, which is execution! Sins not leading to death are those sins for which according to the law of Moses there is no death penalty.
This young Priest is so brilliant!. He has a real gift for explaining the Catholic doctrine in very understandable,compassionate and relatable terms. God Bless you Father. Praying for You🙏
Thank you so much for this video, this helped me get over so much of my anxiety, not making me feel free to do whatever I want now, but rather helping me with my anxiety🙏
Father, I was struggling with the guilt of a venial sin that was tearing me apart... I feel that God spoke to me through this video and now I feel that I can accept his forgiveness... thank you for the work you do. God bless you!
Thanks a lot. I had a werid and pretty painful stage in my life, when I was afraid of doing anything, because it will cause a mortal sin. Today, even if I recovered, that sounds still return, and my Asperger's syndrome doesn't help that. But thanks a lot dear Father.
I've come back to the Catholic Church after 30 years away. The reason i came back is mainly because when I've been to various Protestant churches, I always felt something was missing. I realised it was because I missed the Eucharist. I've tried so hard to not miss mass, go to confession,... I was taught that missing Mass on Sunday, or day of obligation, is a mortal sin unless u r sick. I also read that if one receives holy communion lightly, u r committing sacrilege against Jesus/God. A (believer & former Catholic whose more free-thinking) friend, told me that if it gives me comfort to go to communion anytime because it's only a remembrance of Jesus giving his body/life, it's not really his blood & flesh. I've never confessed all my previous mortal sins & have received Holy Communion several times in the last months. I've been going thru a crisis. I'm so confused - I don't want to commit sacrilege or mortal sins anymore, but i can't be who I want to be. I get angry - mortal sin, l have gluttony to ease my anxiety, I feel envy at times because i want to love everyone, but i can't. I feel shame whenever I do go to confession, so I only go every 3-4 months. I don't feel good enough to keep going to any Catholic Church because I just can't fulfill what's required of me. It's standards are too high for me. I feel very sad, depressed, & anxious & wish i could end it all but dont want to hurt my brothers. Other denominations don't say u commit a mortal sin if u miss mass on Sunday or Holy day of obligation. I'm thinking of talking to the priest, but I'm afraid he won't understand. I find it so hard to even pray anymore Please pray for God to show me the way. I feel so lost & afraid. Thank u
Am glad to hear this.. I use to be an addict and it start with "fun" I new it was wrong from the beginning I avoid church I push all good people away but inside me there was a still calm voice of Jesus no matter haw Hurd I try to avoid it I could still hear it.. addiction is real.. I have one year to celebrate. But it doesn't mean I can't go back that why I ask for all of u to pray for people who r going through such. Yes we did it our self but we learn from it.. much love fr Casey..
Michael The Namesake not if u belive.. who son set free he’s free indeed.. I have decorate my room with verse to remide me who I am.. i am free, i am the apple of God eye.. he hold me in the palm of his hand.. i am love.. i am strong.. not only in my room but all that space of addiction In my head i have replace it with Hail Mary full of grace.. with I can do all things thru Christ our lord.. actually every day I look at the my self and say God.. u made all things so beutiful but u made me soooooo beautiful.. keep my name in five more year I wil stil be saying.. I use to be one of that but not anymore.. choose to belive like I did.. remember my name.. ALICE
@@alicewanjiku3610 You walk into an AA/NA room and tell them you're not an addict, you'll get the funny eye. Have you never gone to a room? The only way you can introduce yourself is the same way everyone else does. By saying "Hello, I'm (name), I am an addict."
Michael The Namesake it funny haw I stop hiding my story.. I tolk about it all the time I choose to be a witness for athers.. I take care of kids and old people with diabetes and sametimes they ask question about my life and i wil tell them.. am never afraid to talk about it.. i love talking about it.. and I got so many people who say if God saved me he can do it for them.. think about the man who God open his eyes.. he went shouting I can see I can see.. so am I.. I shout I am free.. addition it big fight but once u say God I can’t do this on my own.. to took it from there and fight for u.. for me it like I have new blood in me.. i don’t remember the thirst of my addiction but I usually say I use to be.. yoh.. when u see ur self and all voice come ur an addict say round not anymore.. I am free and free indeed.. u and God are majority
Do not stop praying. It is okay to give your testimony. God is always good to us even though we are sinners. No one is perfect. Perfect only GOD. We all sin... One way or another. I have never ever drink or smoke or do drugs. My only addiction is coffee. I don't even drink sugary drinks or eat junkie food. But, still I am not perfect. God bless you and keep praying. God do loves us. I have been through rough times in my life but, by the Grace of GOD Yahweh I am still alive.
As a Muslim, I really enjoy your videos. I like learning about the brothers of the book truly blevel. I do use Brothers of the books very seriously also. Christians and Jews are Brothers of the books. books being Toral, and bible. Also, it helps me to understand my own faith, because it was contending of our faiths.
Thank you so much for this beautiful video. I had watched this video with my son after brunch and we both learn so much today. May God bess you. always.
Wow. I saw this video thinking I’d watch for 30 seconds and ended up watching the entire video closely, stopping and going back to listen again to parts that I thought I’d missed, and subscribed to the channel. That was simply the best discussion of the nature of mortal sin I’ve ever heard or read.
I was once had a very disruptive depression caused by an accident. I thought I was going to die. I committed mortal sins before that and fear I would go to hell. I was unable to pray properly. I was on a constant depression thinking I was going to die. I checked out protestant thing about this but non comforted me until I learned the Catholicism side... THAT absolutely comforted me. This is the major part that brought me back to Catholicism.
Thanks for explaining things Father. I haven't had Catholic instruction since Vatican 2 and value these instruction videos. I went to Catholic school in the 1950s and I'm seeing that a lot has changed especially in confession since then. May God bless your work with us old fogies!
It is important to note that the Catechism of the Catholic Church doesn't teach that one who is conscious of a MORTAL sin (grace matter, full knowlefge & full consent) must absolutely confess his sins before communion, but rather he who is conscious of a GRAVE sin: 1385 [... ] Anyone conscious of a GRAVE sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion.
The ability to speak the truth of Gods love for us and helping to understand the Catholic Church with clarity through Intellect, knowledge and reason is remarkable in itself. To commit yourself to deliver all of this selflessly and bravely using the platform of social media is a gift to us. In my view you are truly anointed. Thank you Fr Casey.
I suffered from scrupulosity during my high school years and into college. I went to confession very reluctantly. When I saw that scrupulosity was ruining my life, I just said to myself: WELL, IT DOESN'T SEEM REASONABLE THAT THIS WOULD SEPARATE ME FROM GOD. I lived my life in order to please BOTH God & myself. I saw that God didn't want me to live like this......it wasn't normal. If the "scrups" popped up in my head, I simply said: THE HELL WITH THIS. GOD IS NOT OUT TO GET ME. I just did what I wanted to, FORCED myself to stop constantly second-guessing myself, and I lived out a normal life as a practicing Catholic. You can say "BUT IT MIGHT REALLY BE A MORTAL SIN....." I remember once hearing that a priest who became a saint (whose name I don't remember) said: MORTAL SIN IS LIKE A ROARING LION......WHEN IT IS IN FRONT OF YOU, YOU'LL KNOW IT." So true. Also, reading what JESUS SAYS in the Gospels (rather than having a head full of what YOU consider "theological truths") will definitely help. Trust in Christ's promises to YOU, and don't make Him into a judgmental ogre. In short, don't unwittingly "make God intoYOUR image & likeness. Good luck!!
Venial sins can and should be confessed also. Saints believed to have never committed mortal sin, such as St. Therese of Liseux, went to confession frequently.
@@giovannimartini6405 They confessed because they correctly understood that all sin seperates us from God and causes offense and yes also because they loved God were sorry.
@@donquixote6866 If they confessed because all sin separates us from God, but they only had comitted the sin that can't totally/eternally separate us from Him, then they confessed because even little separation and offense seemed terrible to a loving heart.
You are such a great representation of what the Catholic Church teaches...love, humility, patience, care... You are a modern day disciple of our Lord. Thank you Father - God bless.
Thanks Fr. Casey for your insight. Whenever possible, my confession include all sins that I can remember whether mortal or venial. I can't wait for the lockdown to come to an end and go to confession.
A helpful Scripture for me, and I am sure others, came at your conclusion: "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our us sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9. The other Scripture I am reminded of with that Scripture is Psalms 103:12 - "As far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."
i had confessed that i had thoughts about murdering a school bully when i was preparing for confirmation (more than half a lifetime ago, phew), fearing it was a mortal sin. glad that the priest was able give me good advice & reassurance! (managed to befriend the kid in question afterwards :D)
Interesting...I can share my ideas from confessional conversation that it's very difficult to sin with thought alone. One needs to preform some action arising from that thought. In the case of murder one needs to do some act towards ( not necessarily successfully) the certain death of another. Therefore even to buy a gun and point it may not be sufficiently mortal, but to then pull the trigger with intent, is so.
@@MrKev1664 The development is a thought rather than the thought itself can can lead us to sin. A prime example is where temptation is involved. Matt 5:28 applies here. As we know the devil will tempt all at some point. This can only be in the form of thought. To formulate the thought therefore is the sin...not the thought itself as it does not come from the individual. Thoughts simpliciter, therefore, in themselves, are not sins. In the case of lust, have we put ourselves deliberately in the occasion of sin ( like watching porn or listening to bad friends), or is it a casual encounter through the senses whereas the devil puts the thought into our minds.? If the former, then is it intended , or are we reckless as to the consequences of our actions, for example, not keeping custody of our eyes. If it is the latter like, "mere chance" where the devil siezes his opportunity, then it requires in addition some act of our will to take lust one step further in our minds, by the use of imagination, and thus to sin in our hearts. Same with John 1 3:15 . Hate is a developed, not an immediate thought and is also difficult to define. When do we cross the threshold from dislike to hate, or are they the same? Is judging someone in a negative way as bad as hate? It takes a lot of analysis to arrive at hate. Therefore we can conclude, that the development of a bad thought, rather then the thought, is the sin itself.
@@MrKev1664 Mortal sin means total separation from God due to a grave sin, so you need to repent and ask for forgiveness before death to inherit Heaven. A sin can be grave and don't be mortal. A grave sin harms you and others, but doesn't totally separate you from God. He's still saving us.
@@MrKev1664 Not trying to prove anything, however, useful to stop and pause as a preparation for examination of conscience. "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh. on a woman to lust after her hath committed. adultery with her already in his heart." Matt 5:28 DRA. It appears the intention "[in order] to lust" is required before the action, "to look on"..
@@MrKev1664 "knoweth" is the operative word here. Many are not awake to the danger and are brainwashed. So a study, correctly indicated by you, of the scriptures and a deeper analysis I propose, can at least help one on the right path. At least after that our guardian angel can claim at the final judgement that we tried our best. May God bless you.
A clear and concise explanation of mortal sin. That at the end of the day we should hate all sin, and approach it this way, was for me sound pastoral advice; obvious, yes, but in the dissipation of my mind, the obvious gets buried in unnecessary and counterproductive complexity. Thank you Fr. John
We all fall short of the glory of God. A bit of guilt is a good thing if it brings us to repentance. But chronic guilt and scrupulousness is a tool of the devil to drive one to despair as if to say, "I'll never be strong enough to resist porn or drugs or violent outbursts etc. Remember Jesus judges us on our honest intent to do better, not the end result. I learnt that reading St Brigette of Sweden. Great book.🙂
Read 1 Timothy chapter 2 verse 5 You see marry was a sinner and she’s dead so u don’t have to pray to a dead person Jesus Christ is reachable at all times directly because he’s not dead he’s alive i encourage u to follow the living God not the man made dead God marry
Thank you for including all subject matters in your videos. We are taught so much, the knowledge strengthens our faith ! God Bless you dear Fr Casey ! 😇
My sins are: getting mad, saying bad words, missing mass ocassionally (usually for a good reason, which makes me doubt) Pretty much the repeat over the years. Dull
According to one ancient Church Father, if Judas had taken recourse to sincere repentance rather than despairing all hopes of pardon, there would have been mercy in store even for the traitor. Ezekiel 18:23 Is it my will that a sinner should die, saith the Lord God, and not that he should be converted from his ways, and live?
i remember growin up catholic and my ocd really making me worry during confessions, haha! Nobody could ever explain to me what a mortal sin truly is, glad there's someone like you in the church.
It's better that we have knowledge of this kind of information, even if we think that we committed a sin or bad action we must confess in order to be in peace our soul. Thanks for the information provided
As a relatively new Catholic, this is difficult for me to deal with. The problem is that I don’t know what is sufficiently grave. I found myself not taking the Eucharist until I could go to confession. I was probably being overly scrupulous. Although... taking time away from the Eucharist did make me appreciate it more, so it was not a total loss.
Yes, exactly! Enriching our knowledge by reading Cathecismus or any other church teachings help a lot actually. But, if u dont know, the guilt is enough to bring u back to confession room. There u can ask the father. Just like father cassey said, even if it isnt a grave matter, but you feel so, and STILL consent to do that, then it is mortal sin. The emphasize is just right on your knowledge and will in doing sins. Your mind told u it is grave, but still, you have your will doing that, that is totally wrong. God bless u fella.
@@theosteven3362 i think i have another perspective on full knowledge described by the good father. How can it be when one taught its a mortal sin to hide his savings from his family, when it is not , so it would boil down to the full knowledge of how is one act considered as transgression of the law of God. Hence even though u indeed think that u commit mortal sin by hiding ur savings but from family, still it is somehow not considered as mortal sin even though u think it is because u didnt have full knowledge if its a sin or not. This is how i grasp the fathers meaning of full knowledge ,its not how u think but whether it is actually a mortal sin by right proper knowledge.
@@victortuberajr4199 so if you are not sure if it's a mortal sin or venial it's not a mortal sin or sin? Like you did lie but you take it back right away after you saying "i didnt or i havent"? Huh? I'm confussion
Thank you Father! You presented in a really visual way what my spiritual director has been telling me these past 9 years (and counting). He guided me through my turmoil years even when I turned away from the Faith and returned and struggled with many habitual sins and what a journey it was! Thank you for your videos which really emphasize on the habitual struggle and also the great Mercy of the Church for those who sincerely struggle!
In Matthew 12:31 we read "Therefore, I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the one to come." Its obvious that every usual sin can be forgiven but what is needed to be considered as a sin against the Holy Spirit?
Another thought provoking video. You did explain what the Catechism teaches, which is always needed. God is merciful and just, but it seems we have become too lenient with what is/isn't a mortal sin. Obviously, some people are clearly ignorant (as you mentioned) but far more have full knowledge on what is a mortal sin than is truly acknowledged anymore. Best example is skipping Sunday mass.
If I were to become a Catholic, my OCD would be off the charts. I would honestly be so worried about if I were in a state of grace or not constantly. What if I am? And what if I die before I can make it to confession? What if I don't remember all my mortal sins to confess? There's not even a defined list of what counts as mortal sin, just aspects as mentioned in the video. So I'd constantly be worried about it.
Our Catholic Saints help with that haha, there’s some that have struggled with that in their life. As someone suffering the same , it can also be an opportunity to grow deeper in relationship with the Lord and appreciate and reflect on his Divine Mercy when we get in these moments. Help us explore the root of our OCD (perfectionism , pride, etc.)..Also there’s a ten commandments for the scrupulous. St Alphonsus and St Faustina
Maybe that's why lay catholics aren't taught anymore on what constitutes mortal sin, then they can't be held responsible when they come before God? Is God merciful to those who plead ignorance? What does it say about our teaching of the faith today?
In reality, only Jesus knows the logistics of Justification. In my opinion, concept of Venial vs Mortal Sin comes across as “dualistic”, and I don’t think Christ views things in a black & white manner. Sometimes, the Magisterium doesn't always use the best wording when conveying certain topics (i.e. using the word “Separate”). Such strong language frightens people, often leading them to become scrupulous. Instead, look at Mortal Sin as “not being in good standing” rather than “being separated”. Only God knows 100% the state of one's soul. The key thing is to “always have a repentant heart and keep it open to God’s mercy", even if you can’t make it to the confessional. Hope this helps.
I think your last point is why we Orthdox make no such distinction. Of course some sins do separate us from God, but we simply cannot know when such a sin has been committed. It is better we focus that energy of penitence, not on examining what type it was.
I am a recovering porn addict and a convicted felon because of that addiction. I appreciate the reassurance that it's harder than we realize to sin mortally, but, having definitely sinned mortally in the past, I would like to share my own experience for perspective. When I slip up and act out of habit (I spent 15 years programming my unhealthy mental/emotional responses to stimulation so they very much are habitual now), I recognize that I am running TO a momentary feeling rather than turning AWAY from God. When I sit down at the computer knowing full well that I will spend a few hours/all night/the weekend rebuilding my library of images, I cannot make that choice without first acknowledging God's Will for me and choosing to reject it. There is, for me, always that moment of rejection of Him in the mortally sinful acting-out moments. There is almost never that moment of conscious rejection of Him in my momentary slip-ups. That doesnt make my slip-ups not sinful - ultimately, the act I choose is against God - but the time for reflection came and went YEARS ago when I programmed myself to reject His Will habitually. I confessed and He forgave the sin of that programming but I'm still dealing with the side-effects and consequences of it.
I don’t know Br/Fr. Casey, stealing is a grave matter to me even if it were even small like a candy bar. Every now and then when I steal my brother’s coffee cream in the morning I feel the guilt as the consequence with God. I tried making up to him by buying him more coffee cream but then I end up using that too... so I know the futility. Now, as I am writing this I feel compelled to do penance by buying more coffee cream to give to him. I’ll try to remember when I go to the store.
Good conscience! Keep that in your heart. It helps your soul in the right path. The only reason why there is mortal amd venial just because there is different consequence on different matter. Ofc, stealing a candy bar isnt as grave as murdering. But, still, all wrongdoing, is sin.
I love this! The Devil is incredibly wily. He takes even a desire to serve God, and twists it into undue scrupulousity that tends to separate us from Him because we think we are not worthy (heads up, we're not, and that's not the point). So many people needed to hear this. The only thing that might be a point of caution is "I'm not sure our will is ever free." That there is always some level of compulsion or ignorance negating the capacity to sin mortally. I totally understand this idea, but I think someone could take it and run with it until the concept of evil itself is dissolved away. Say a new initiate to the Mafia is required to murder an innocent person to get "made." Yes, he's under peer pressure, he was raised in a way that glorifies that lifestyle and makes it hard to say No. He has a psychological profile that inherently desensitizes him to violence. Does that really excuse the utter lack of compassion and mercy when he finds his innocent victim and commits the act? It's a fruitful point for discussion, to be sure.
This video was helpful. I am a convert to the faith of 21 years, and struggle with scrupulosity. Determining what is grave matter and whether I fully consented are things I wrestle with to this day. As a result, I go to Confession monthly, sometimes more, but I rarely find peace. Please pray for me.
Father, can you please elaborate on those extremely rare cases where a mortal sin can't and shouldn't be forgiven by a priest that you mentioned towards the end of the video?
The answer to ur question is when u sin against the holy spirit. U know what is that unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit, it is the sin when you dont want to be helped by God
I am a Muslim that just found out about your channel and I find it very meaningful, despite the differences in our religion. The teachings and reasoning mentioned in this video can also apply to the beliefs in Islam. No sin is too great for God to forgive. Peace be with all of us
We are in this together Brother. I too struggle with this. I also believe that I have an addictive personality. How you ever considered a 12 step program? I believe it also helps with person, as if you work the program sincerely, you become more of an honest person.
I really wish you'd stick to these videos. you are very good at teaching basic concepts in the Church. I can share stuff like this with new Catholics and students. I'm not trying to "troll" but I find these types of videos much more useful than some of your others. You're good at them.
The mission of Breaking In The Habit is wide, and so many different forms of media are used. This is certainly catechetical, but it is not very evangelical nor is it particularly prophetic. Sometimes things need to be more personal. Sometimes they need to be unsettling.
@@BreakingInTheHabit fair enough, and I enjoy your videos regardless of whether I agree with you or not...which is why I have followed you for a long time, bought your book, etc. Maybe this is why I get so defensive when I essentially get called a troll if I don't simply upvote your vids and go my own way without criticizing points I believe to be legitimate. I offer this as fraternal advice...for which you can ignore me, block me or call me a troll on twitter: catechetical videos of high quality are needed and you excel at making them. When I need theological, philosophical, contemplative or social justice insight I enjoy your videos, but there are hosts of very very qualified experts with content on youtube that have been wrestling with those topics for fifty or sixty years. I can listen to Richard Ruhr all day (and then come here to be accused of dualistic thinking for disagreeing with you). Don't get me wrong...I think you'll get there some day in these topics...but I've really only valued as excellent your vocation videos, your Franciscan life videos (details of individual Friars), and your catechesis videos. Offering feedback, hopefully you don't think I'm just trolling.
@@BreakingInTheHabit I mean, unless I'm really off here...you are the CEO and only employee of Breaking in the Habit. You are free to do whatever you want with it. As someone with a degree in organization management I would get very suspicious of a client that told their mission is "wide" --- wide sounds potentially like a code-word that means scattered and unfocused when you drill down into that organization.
Br. Casey, I know you have done some more personal, informal videos in the past and I would love to hear from you about what it's like as a fellow human to be on the priest's side of the confessional. I often find myself distracted by wondering what the priest might be thinking, or what the most common sins are to confess, or whether the priest is ever bothered by hearing the same voice confess the same sins every time.
Mainstream authentic Christianity, unlike Roman Catholicism, does not divide sin into two categories - mortal sin and venial sin. A sin is a sin is a sin: "For WHOEVER keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it all". ( James 2:10 ) "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and ALL are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ( Romans 3:23,24 ) And if you think that your sin is so bad ( Mortal Sin ) that God would never forgive you, you are basically saying that Christ's death on the cross was not good enough to atone for your sin! The one sin that can’t be forgiven is the sin of rejecting Christ and refusing His offer of forgiveness. This alone is the unforgivable sin, because it means we are saying that the Holy Spirit’s witness about Jesus is a lie. " Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out". ( John 6:37 )
There are some people who say that Mortal Sins are like addictions. They are "Mortal" in the sense that they have taken root in our souls and that this is what causes the separation between God and humanity.
Father Ripperger teaches, that an addiction might be a sign of refusing God's grace and a path to sure damnation. According to him, if confession is not working, you might be in trouble. This seems like a totally different approach to sins and grace. Can someone explain? Or is it that, the Church needs distinct perspectives, so each one of us might find the truth in a way suited for each one?
I don't think addiction lessen your culpability of mortal sin, or making it any less mortal. In any case where you can use your reason and conscience, addiction need to be forgiven
Confession can be the most healing act an addicted person can do. If you fall one time or a hundred and go back to Jesus He will be waiting in there ( through the Priest) don’t put it off - go for mercy and never ever give up on yourself , as Jesus will never ever give up on you. The true sin is believing the lie that you are not worth saving, repenting or being loved by God. It’s hard to go back to God but shame is a bully - grace is a shield . Jesus is your shield .
I have serious doubts about the "lite" treatment of sin and the sacrament of reconciliation in this presentation as it pertains to aiding the endangered and strengthening one's growth in holiness. Serious matters need not be treated as frivolous.
I don't see it as making light of mortal sin, but simply teaching what mortal sin is. So many people misunderstand. Scrupulosity can also endanger one's growth in holiness. As he says in the end, we should hate all sin, and seek God every time we fall.
You made a great explaining video. But there are many other priests, along with many “fine catholics” who describe mortal sin as something incredibly easy to commit and they literally say you should almost live in confessional even when you’re doubtful and anxious… making christian life look terrible and depressing, and somehow pathological.
Hi, Father. Could you provide a word of advice ? I've been, must of my life, a church person. I do understand the basics of my Faith and I understand must of the Church commands. Still, at this moment, I found myself rejecting God activitly. I, in some corners of my heart, feel hate and disdain for Him and the Church. If I could have it in my way, I'll just move one with my life, letting Him go, or else, letting me go. But I can, because I know Him and I, too, miss Him and the Love I once felt. I abstain from communion and from mass, to be honest. I sometimes feel infuriated just to be in there, other times just profoundly sad. I probably need an spiritual director, as I used to have in my teens, but I don't feel in a position of trust as to reveal my soul to anybody around me, not even my closest friends. So, in short, where should I start? I know I want to come back, but I what that require of me, and I don't know if I have any strength left on me to start all over again.
My sweet brother. The Lord is calling you. Right now the world is in peril and alone with their thoughts. Because we don't have access to confession, remember Our Heavenly Father is always listening. May I suggest reflecting on the sins you've committed throughout you life and ask God for forgiveness with a contrite heart. Ask Our Heavenly Father to reveal all sin that weighs heavily on your heart so that you can break all chains that are keeping you from loving fully. The worst thing to do is detach yourself from Jesus' Divine Mercy. You will never find comfort being disconnected spiritually from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate comforter. Make time alone with Jesus to talk to him to feel His presence. Praying the rosary daily and reading your Bible daily will also help strengthen your relationship with Our Lord. I hope this was helpful.😊 I'll be praying for you brother. Don't give up on Jesus for He never gave up on you.🤗🕊🙏💙
God can take anything we have no matter how bad it seems to be ( He already knows everything you think and feel anyway..). So,yes you need spiritual direction-you need the Church and your brothers and sisters in Christ but I would also suggest going straight to God himself. If you feel hatred for Him He already knows that. That’s bad but the worse part is that it is keeping you away from Him. So pray. Talk to Him and confess everything in your heart - even the hate - so that you can open up a dialogue and allow Him in again to start working on you and healing those wounds that are causing the separation. You said you don’t have the strength to start over again and that can actually be a great place to start again... That is what is meant by “My strength is made perfect in weakness”. You know you can’t do it by yourself because you’ve tried and failed over and over so let HIM take control and His strength can show through in you even greater because you allow His power to do the work. May God Bless you Brother
Hello Cesar, I read your comment and personally, I feel just like you. But I know God and I have allowed him to crumble down these walls that was built to resist him from coming in to fix in my life what I can not. I believe most of all in him, Jesus, and I trust him with my life. He helped put the broken pieces back together in my heart; and my soul continually finds him each time I look. So don’t be afraid to be close to him. Seek him out and you will find him and his love will help you know on your knees how precious and lovely you are to him.
I love your videos Father. We need more good Catholic youtubers like you
@Kevin Reyes I'm hoping to eventually. Right now I'm doing my best to work as a good influence unlike a lot of people in my niche lol
@graham CRACKER thanks
Everybody gangster until the weeaboo starts going to mass.
chad
For sure!
It’s crazy after going to confession my conscience grows a force so strong the holy spirit protects me from sins I used to willingly commit. Thank you Jesus
Mortal Sin is terrible and doesn’t feel great to be in a state of. Confession is an incredible way of reconciliation and to find peace with the Holy Spirit and Christ. May God give us all the strength to avoid temptation!! God bless
Can someone pray for me? I struggle with scrupulousness and feeling like god isn’t with me or doesn’t love me. I normally am afraid to go to confession and really can’t right now obviously so I’m just not doing well.
I'll pray for you
I'll pray for you too bro
Check out the book Understanding Scrupulosity, by Fr Thomas M Santa, you can get it on Kindle. It is very very helpful and comforting. Praying for you!
Pray for you? Done. Experiencing scrupulosity? Every single day. Going to Confession? Gets better every time. It's like lifting weights, hard now and sore later but stronger forever. The trick is to keep doing it.
Rooshii thank you for the recommendation!
Being a male in my 50s trying to get back into religion after falling out 40 years ago being an LGBTq needing some guidance. Thank you Father Casey
May the Lord bless you on your journey.
Perhaps too bold for my part. Why did you choose to come back? I'm in a similar situation, but just drifting away.
It would be enlightening to know about your history, if you choose to tell it.
I'm glad you're looking out for guidance. I hope you'll find it.
and now you are not gay/lesbian or whatever anymore?
Even if you were...what is the problem?
Welcome home! We, the family, were many and now we are more! I love when a fellow Catholic comes home!
There is a program called Courage. Check it out. Let me know what you find. Peace
For any scrupulous people out there, please remember: God is infinitely just, merciful, and loving. Only an impenitent heart (hardened heart) can separate one from God. Even if you're at your last breath and unable to have a priest at your side, please keep your heart contrite and open to God's Devine Mercy.
As a scrupulous person, I agree.
I used to get so concerned about small sins, that I never focused on the greater matters of love, justice and mercy. Then I found myself falling into serious sin, and waking up and realizing, the difference between sins that serious compromise my relationship with God and other people.
@@lilafeldman8630 Yeah, don't beat yourself up over things. Relax a bit, if you are suffering from being scrupulous.
I highly recommend reading the book, "
Scruples and Sainthood: Overcoming Scrupulosity with the help of the Saints." This book greatly helped me many years ago when I was super scrupulous. You can find it on amazon for about $15 right now.
Hope it helps.
Even if compulsion/addiction lessens the moral culpability for sin, I am still going to ask for prayers, I got hooked on pornography about 4 years ago and I am doing my best to stop.
No one is suggesting that you should be fine with it or not try to change! It is simply an acknowledgment that you are not completely in control (and might need further help.)
You're on the right track. It was explained to me many years ago by a priest that what I was confessing it that instance was not mortal sin, due to mitigating factors. He explained that the root word for sin in Hebrew was to go astray, as in a sheep that needed a shepherd and in Greek was to miss the mark, as in archery. You don't always hit the bullseye but you still get points. Keep aiming for that target and remember God's grace and His Bride The Church when you do. You are not alone.
Hey man, look up Strive21, it helped a lot!
You’re in my prayers 🙏🏻
@The Hospitaller Order I'm sorry to hear that. Fasting is very powerful. I recommend doing Exodus 90 (there is an app) with some people - it's very powerful.
You will overcome the addiction soon enough.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, "Hearing nun's confessions is like being stoned to death by popcorn"
Most of them are the cutest and sweetest, their confession is like 2 or 3 minutes 🤣🤣.
What does that mean?
@@Slade69 It means that they list very many things, but all extremely minor
@@Slade69 It means the sins are very small. It's hard to sin when you're in a convent.
@@OutragedPufferfish - It would be extremely easy.
I have really bad anxiety and this subject has been on my mind. Thank you for your video it really taught me a lot and I hope you stay healthy during this time.
Likewise!
Thankyou Fr Casey for this informative Video. God bless you.Lord HAVE mercy on us.
Mama Mary please help me
Not to fall in any Sort of SIns.
I Entrust and Surrender myself
to you Mama. Thankyou.
Same
I came here because I've been confessing the same sin over and over again for years. Father asked me how long I've been confessing this and I said since a teen. He said it might not be a mortal sin because of the addiction/habit.
But I still want to overcome it. To stop Sinning, whether venial or mortal, is my goal and I don't want to say "well I'm addicted I can't help it" as an excuse to indulge or whatever. This video helped me understand more, so thank you.
I'm a year late here haha
Have you asked Our Mother to pray for you? With sincerity of your request, your urges will disappear come here and tell me what happened after.
Have you never heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and groups similar? Check around your area to see if there are any. Sometimes churches host these groups to meet. You could likely find one online now that so many things are done online.
I had a similar struggle. It was like a terrible addiction, and I'd have to confess it over and over because I'd do it over and over. Then I was told by a priest who I didn't know very well, that I should fast on Wednesdays and Fridays and offer the fast to ask God for the grace to conform my heart and will to His, and for his strength. This was about a year ago, and the progress has been a bit slower than I expected (probably because I have not been as dilligent as i should) however it has certainly been undeniable. We need to get back to practicing mortification regularly. Also, I cannot recommend this enough, pray the rosary. I never did except a few times a year, but about two months ago I started it as a daily practice and it has really been a source of tremendous grace. By God's grace, I'm a different person than I was. Now I don't feel my day was complete if I don't say my rosary.
Give yourself grace and I’ll pray for your journey on getting sober (if the concept of being sober applies) - too much shame will only impede you. I’ll pray that you figure out what could be at the root of it, whether that’s ur situational circumstances, some other seemingly unrelated act, some unaddressed feelings and events from your past etc. At the end of the day you always have God’s love. I agree with Father and think you should be wary of scrupulosity. Being addicted and acknowledging it isn’t an excuse and might be cutting you off from support - humans need connection for a reason, we don’t have to walk alone.
@@TheFryedIScream I am willing to bet it is masturbation. That is a common sin males have to confess over and over and one priests often say since it is a habit it is not necessarily a mortal sin. It is also a sin that is not in the Bible.
This helped me SO much. I had such a hard time deciphering and bordered on scrupulosity with so much guilt over sins, even ones I felt I couldn’t help due to addiction (such as food). Knowing the difference and having reconciliation when needed bring so much comfort to this convert.
Yooooo, the food part. That's me. xD
Lies and nonsense. These are not mortal sins! Mortal sins are those sins for which, according to the law of Moses, the death penalty comes, which is execution! Sins not leading to death are those sins for which according to the law of Moses there is no death penalty.
This young Priest is so brilliant!. He has a real gift for explaining the Catholic doctrine in very understandable,compassionate and relatable terms.
God Bless you Father. Praying for You🙏
Praying the rosary will help you out a lot.
Thank you so much for this video, this helped me get over so much of my anxiety, not making me feel free to do whatever I want now, but rather helping me with my anxiety🙏
Father, I was struggling with the guilt of a venial sin that was tearing me apart... I feel that God spoke to me through this video and now I feel that I can accept his forgiveness... thank you for the work you do. God bless you!
Thanks a lot. I had a werid and pretty painful stage in my life, when I was afraid of doing anything, because it will cause a mortal sin. Today, even if I recovered, that sounds still return, and my Asperger's syndrome doesn't help that. But thanks a lot dear Father.
You are not alone (as much as you may want to be sometimes)! The Church is your Simon of Cyrene, we're helping you to carry that cross.
While I'm a bit late to the party, I feel the same way. Please pray for me if you're reading this, as I need all the clarity I can get.
I've come back to the Catholic Church after 30 years away. The reason i came back is mainly because when I've been to various Protestant churches, I always felt something was missing. I realised it was because I missed the Eucharist. I've tried so hard to not miss mass, go to confession,... I was taught that missing Mass on Sunday, or day of obligation, is a mortal sin unless u r sick. I also read that if one receives holy communion lightly, u r committing sacrilege against Jesus/God. A (believer & former Catholic whose more free-thinking) friend, told me that if it gives me comfort to go to communion anytime because it's only a remembrance of Jesus giving his body/life, it's not really his blood & flesh. I've never confessed all my previous mortal sins & have received Holy Communion several times in the last months. I've been going thru a crisis. I'm so confused - I don't want to commit sacrilege or mortal sins anymore, but i can't be who I want to be. I get angry - mortal sin, l have gluttony to ease my anxiety, I feel envy at times because i want to love everyone, but i can't. I feel shame whenever I do go to confession, so I only go every 3-4 months. I don't feel good enough to keep going to any Catholic Church because I just can't fulfill what's required of me. It's standards are too high for me. I feel very sad, depressed, & anxious & wish i could end it all but dont want to hurt my brothers. Other denominations don't say u commit a mortal sin if u miss mass on Sunday or Holy day of obligation. I'm thinking of talking to the priest, but I'm afraid he won't understand. I find it so hard to even pray anymore
Please pray for God to show me the way. I feel so lost & afraid. Thank u
Am glad to hear this.. I use to be an addict and it start with "fun" I new it was wrong from the beginning I avoid church I push all good people away but inside me there was a still calm voice of Jesus no matter haw Hurd I try to avoid it I could still hear it.. addiction is real.. I have one year to celebrate. But it doesn't mean I can't go back that why I ask for all of u to pray for people who r going through such. Yes we did it our self but we learn from it.. much love fr Casey..
You say you use to be an addict, but in the rooms, we always know we are an addict, for the rest of our lives.
Michael The Namesake not if u belive.. who son set free he’s free indeed.. I have decorate my room with verse to remide me who I am.. i am free, i am the apple of God eye.. he hold me in the palm of his hand.. i am love.. i am strong.. not only in my room but all that space of addiction In my head i have replace it with Hail Mary full of grace.. with I can do all things thru Christ our lord.. actually every day I look at the my self and say God.. u made all things so beutiful but u made me soooooo beautiful.. keep my name in five more year I wil stil be saying.. I use to be one of that but not anymore.. choose to belive like I did.. remember my name.. ALICE
@@alicewanjiku3610 You walk into an AA/NA room and tell them you're not an addict, you'll get the funny eye. Have you never gone to a room? The only way you can introduce yourself is the same way everyone else does. By saying "Hello, I'm (name), I am an addict."
Michael The Namesake it funny haw I stop hiding my story.. I tolk about it all the time I choose to be a witness for athers.. I take care of kids and old people with diabetes and sametimes they ask question about my life and i wil tell them.. am never afraid to talk about it.. i love talking about it.. and I got so many people who say if God saved me he can do it for them.. think about the man who God open his eyes.. he went shouting I can see I can see.. so am I.. I shout I am free.. addition it big fight but once u say God I can’t do this on my own.. to took it from there and fight for u.. for me it like I have new blood in me.. i don’t remember the thirst of my addiction but I usually say I use to be.. yoh.. when u see ur self and all voice come ur an addict say round not anymore.. I am free and free indeed.. u and God are majority
Do not stop praying. It is okay to give your testimony. God is always good to us even though we are sinners. No one is perfect. Perfect only GOD. We all sin... One way or another. I have never ever drink or smoke or do drugs. My only addiction is coffee. I don't even drink sugary drinks or eat junkie food. But, still I am not perfect. God bless you and keep praying. God do loves us. I have been through rough times in my life but, by the Grace of GOD Yahweh I am still alive.
As a Muslim, I really enjoy your videos. I like learning about the brothers of the book truly blevel. I do use Brothers of the books very seriously also. Christians and Jews are Brothers of the books. books being Toral, and bible. Also, it helps me to understand my own faith, because it was contending of our faiths.
God Bless you
Bless you brother.
Muslims and Catholics are very similar. They both use rosary beads and the Jesuits wrote the Koran.
Thank you so much for this beautiful video. I had watched this video with my son after brunch and we both learn so much today. May God bess you. always.
Wow. I saw this video thinking I’d watch for 30 seconds and ended up watching the entire video closely, stopping and going back to listen again to parts that I thought I’d missed, and subscribed to the channel. That was simply the best discussion of the nature of mortal sin I’ve ever heard or read.
I was once had a very disruptive depression caused by an accident. I thought I was going to die. I committed mortal sins before that and fear I would go to hell. I was unable to pray properly. I was on a constant depression thinking I was going to die. I checked out protestant thing about this but non comforted me until I learned the Catholicism side... THAT absolutely comforted me. This is the major part that brought me back to Catholicism.
"Reconciliation needs to happen before the relationship can move forward"
Thanks for explaining things Father. I haven't had Catholic instruction since Vatican 2 and value these instruction videos. I went to Catholic school in the 1950s and I'm seeing that a lot has changed especially in confession since then. May God bless your work with us old fogies!
It is important to note that the Catechism of the Catholic Church doesn't teach that one who is conscious of a MORTAL sin (grace matter, full knowlefge & full consent) must absolutely confess his sins before communion, but rather he who is conscious of a GRAVE sin:
1385 [... ] Anyone conscious of a GRAVE sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion.
Mortal sins are Grave sins
How can u be conscious when u dont have the right knowledge of what is a mortal sin or venial sin or what is a sin itself, its the lack of knowledge.
The ability to speak the truth of Gods love for us and helping to understand the Catholic Church with clarity through Intellect, knowledge and reason is remarkable in itself. To commit yourself to deliver all of this selflessly and bravely using the platform of social media is a gift to us. In my view you are truly anointed. Thank you Fr Casey.
I suffered from scrupulosity during my high school years and into college. I went to confession very reluctantly.
When I saw that scrupulosity was ruining my life, I just said to myself: WELL, IT DOESN'T SEEM REASONABLE THAT THIS
WOULD SEPARATE ME FROM GOD. I lived my life in order to please BOTH God & myself. I saw that God didn't want me to live like this......it wasn't normal. If the "scrups" popped up in my head, I simply said: THE HELL WITH THIS. GOD IS NOT OUT TO GET ME. I just did what I wanted to, FORCED myself to stop constantly second-guessing myself, and
I lived out a normal life as a practicing Catholic. You can say "BUT IT MIGHT REALLY BE A MORTAL SIN....."
I remember once hearing that a priest who became a saint (whose name I don't remember) said: MORTAL SIN IS LIKE
A ROARING LION......WHEN IT IS IN FRONT OF YOU, YOU'LL KNOW IT." So true. Also, reading what JESUS SAYS in the Gospels (rather than having a head full of what YOU consider "theological truths") will definitely help. Trust in Christ's
promises to YOU, and don't make Him into a judgmental ogre. In short, don't unwittingly "make God intoYOUR image & likeness. Good luck!!
Venial sins can and should be confessed also. Saints believed to have never committed mortal sin, such as St. Therese of Liseux, went to confession frequently.
That's because they confessed out of love, not fear. We have to learn that to do the maximum and not the minimum.
@@giovannimartini6405 They confessed because they correctly understood that all sin seperates us from God and causes offense and yes also because they loved God were sorry.
@@donquixote6866 If they confessed because all sin separates us from God, but they only had comitted the sin that can't totally/eternally separate us from Him, then they confessed because even little separation and offense seemed terrible to a loving heart.
Yes confession is primarily for mortal sins. But it is never unavailable for venial sins also. anyone who feels sinful, can come to the room.
Im pretty sure St Therese of liseux would have mortal sinned once or twice, NO human can avoid mortal sin for the entirety of their life imo
You are such a great representation of what the Catholic Church teaches...love, humility, patience, care... You are a modern day disciple of our Lord. Thank you Father - God bless.
You speak music to my ear when i listen to your show. Thank you for everything you have done father!
Definitely not leaving any of my candy bars out when Father Casey comes around 😁
I cannot tell how much I needed to hear this message. Thank you Fr Casey.
Thanks Fr. Casey for your insight. Whenever possible, my confession include all sins that I can remember whether mortal or venial.
I can't wait for the lockdown to come to an end and go to confession.
That's how it should be. Repentance out of love, not out of fear!
Lockdown already finished in my country and confession feels great!
A helpful Scripture for me, and I am sure others, came at your conclusion: "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our us sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9. The other Scripture I am reminded of with that Scripture is Psalms 103:12 - "As far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."
i had confessed that i had thoughts about murdering a school bully when i was preparing for confirmation (more than half a lifetime ago, phew), fearing it was a mortal sin. glad that the priest was able give me good advice & reassurance! (managed to befriend the kid in question afterwards :D)
Interesting...I can share my ideas from confessional conversation that it's very difficult to sin with thought alone. One needs to preform some action arising from that thought. In the case of murder one needs to do some act towards ( not necessarily successfully) the certain death of another. Therefore even to buy a gun and point it may not be sufficiently mortal, but to then pull the trigger with intent, is so.
@@MrKev1664 The development is a thought rather than the thought itself can can lead us to sin. A prime example is where temptation is involved. Matt 5:28 applies here.
As we know the devil will tempt all at some point. This can only be in the form of thought. To formulate the thought therefore is the sin...not the thought itself as it does not come from the individual.
Thoughts simpliciter, therefore, in themselves, are not sins.
In the case of lust, have we put ourselves deliberately in the occasion of sin ( like watching porn or listening to bad friends), or is it a casual encounter through the senses whereas the devil puts the thought into our minds.?
If the former, then is it intended , or are we reckless as to the consequences of our actions, for example, not keeping custody of our eyes.
If it is the latter like, "mere chance" where the devil siezes his opportunity, then it requires in addition some act of our will to take lust one step further in our minds, by the use of imagination, and thus to sin in our hearts.
Same with John 1 3:15 . Hate is a developed, not an immediate thought and is also difficult to define.
When do we cross the threshold from dislike to hate, or are they the same? Is judging someone in a negative way as bad as hate? It takes a lot of analysis to arrive at hate.
Therefore we can conclude, that the development of a bad thought, rather then the thought, is the sin itself.
@@MrKev1664 Mortal sin means total separation from God due to a grave sin, so you need to repent and ask for forgiveness before death to inherit Heaven.
A sin can be grave and don't be mortal. A grave sin harms you and others, but doesn't totally separate you from God. He's still saving us.
@@MrKev1664
Not trying to prove anything, however, useful to stop and pause as a preparation for examination of conscience.
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh. on a woman to lust after her hath committed. adultery with her already in his heart." Matt 5:28 DRA.
It appears the intention "[in order] to lust" is required before the action, "to look on"..
@@MrKev1664 "knoweth" is the operative word here. Many are not awake to the danger and are brainwashed. So a study, correctly indicated by you, of the scriptures and a deeper analysis I propose, can at least help one on the right path. At least after that our guardian angel can claim at the final judgement that we tried our best.
May God bless you.
Thank you Br. Casey! May GOD continue to bless you and your ministry ✝️☦️🙏📿
A clear and concise explanation of mortal sin. That at the end of the day we should hate all sin, and approach it this way, was for me sound pastoral advice; obvious, yes, but in the dissipation of my mind, the obvious gets buried in unnecessary and counterproductive complexity. Thank you Fr.
John
We all fall short of the glory of God. A bit of guilt is a good thing if it brings us to repentance. But chronic guilt and scrupulousness is a tool of the devil to drive one to despair as if to say, "I'll never be strong enough to resist porn or drugs or violent outbursts etc. Remember Jesus judges us on our honest intent to do better, not the end result. I learnt that reading St Brigette of Sweden. Great book.🙂
This video was extremely useful. Thank you for helping me in these troubling times. God bless you!
Ayo? Same pfp
4:17 hit me like a rock! Even the way Fr. Casey looked at the camera 😂 . It was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you!❤️
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ 🙏 Mother Mary Pray For Us 🙏
Read 1 Timothy chapter 2 verse 5
You see marry was a sinner and she’s dead so u don’t have to pray to a dead person Jesus Christ is reachable at all times directly because he’s not dead he’s alive i encourage u to follow the living God not the man made dead God marry
@@braylyn506 can I ask u one question?
Chris what’s up brother
@@braylyn506 if we ask a saint for example Saint Anthony to pray for me then is that wrong too?
Chris if he’s alive then he’s not a medium
You are one of the very reasons I stand back up every time I fall and I thank God to having known you. Thank you!
This, father, is something that every Catholic must be taught. Thank you Father..
Thank you for including all subject matters in your videos. We are taught so much, the knowledge strengthens our faith ! God Bless you dear Fr Casey ! 😇
Thank you so much! I’ve needed to hear this information for so long.
Finally just now went to confession. Thank you father and thank you guys
Thank you. This is a much healthier understanding of sin. I could write a book on my experience with this topic.
This guy is good ....more than can be said about some other utube padres.
Thank you for this. I realize now that my concern in and of it’s self is evidence against fear that I have fallen without hope. Blessed be
My sins are: getting mad, saying bad words, missing mass ocassionally (usually for a good reason, which makes me doubt) Pretty much the repeat over the years. Dull
Thank you so much for this explanation. I pray that God would heal every person who suffers "the stranglehold of an addiction".
According to one ancient Church Father, if Judas had taken recourse to sincere repentance rather than despairing all hopes of pardon, there would have been mercy in store even for the traitor.
Ezekiel 18:23
Is it my will that a sinner should die, saith the Lord God, and not that he should be converted from his ways, and live?
I clapped for you, Fr!!! This was so so so VERY GOOD!!!! I will be binge watching your vids. Thank you! ❤
Thank you Father, and God bless you for this clarification.
Thank you. This was a big help. I've struggled with family issues lately. This really helped me.
This was very healing.
Thanks for all you do in the name on Christ Jesus!!
thank you for this video watching you from lebanon
That makes two of us!
i remember growin up catholic and my ocd really making me worry during confessions, haha! Nobody could ever explain to me what a mortal sin truly is, glad there's someone like you in the church.
It's better that we have knowledge of this kind of information, even if we think that we committed a sin or bad action we must confess in order to be in peace our soul. Thanks for the information provided
God Is Merciful, Thanks Be To God!
As a relatively new Catholic, this is difficult for me to deal with. The problem is that I don’t know what is sufficiently grave. I found myself not taking the Eucharist until I could go to confession. I was probably being overly scrupulous. Although... taking time away from the Eucharist did make me appreciate it more, so it was not a total loss.
I recently got Confirmed and I still struggle with this, however it gets easier to recognize what you've done.
Yes, exactly! Enriching our knowledge by reading Cathecismus or any other church teachings help a lot actually. But, if u dont know, the guilt is enough to bring u back to confession room. There u can ask the father. Just like father cassey said, even if it isnt a grave matter, but you feel so, and STILL consent to do that, then it is mortal sin. The emphasize is just right on your knowledge and will in doing sins. Your mind told u it is grave, but still, you have your will doing that, that is totally wrong. God bless u fella.
@@theosteven3362 i think i have another perspective on full knowledge described by the good father. How can it be when one taught its a mortal sin to hide his savings from his family, when it is not , so it would boil down to the full knowledge of how is one act considered as transgression of the law of God. Hence even though u indeed think that u commit mortal sin by hiding ur savings but from family, still it is somehow not considered as mortal sin even though u think it is because u didnt have full knowledge if its a sin or not. This is how i grasp the fathers meaning of full knowledge ,its not how u think but whether it is actually a mortal sin by right proper knowledge.
@@susanna3486
It’s crazy because Grave matter is so different based on the person
@@victortuberajr4199 so if you are not sure if it's a mortal sin or venial it's not a mortal sin or sin? Like you did lie but you take it back right away after you saying "i didnt or i havent"? Huh? I'm confussion
Thank you Father! You presented in a really visual way what my spiritual director has been telling me these past 9 years (and counting). He guided me through my turmoil years even when I turned away from the Faith and returned and struggled with many habitual sins and what a journey it was! Thank you for your videos which really emphasize on the habitual struggle and also the great Mercy of the Church for those who sincerely struggle!
In Matthew 12:31 we read
"Therefore, I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the one to come."
Its obvious that every usual sin can be forgiven but what is needed to be considered as a sin against the Holy Spirit?
I've heard that the unforgivable sin is not asking for forgiveness.
I truly respect the way your explain the teachings of the Church. GOD bless you father 🙏🏼
Another thought provoking video. You did explain what the Catechism teaches, which is always needed. God is merciful and just, but it seems we have become too lenient with what is/isn't a mortal sin. Obviously, some people are clearly ignorant (as you mentioned) but far more have full knowledge on what is a mortal sin than is truly acknowledged anymore. Best example is skipping Sunday mass.
If I were to become a Catholic, my OCD would be off the charts. I would honestly be so worried about if I were in a state of grace or not constantly. What if I am? And what if I die before I can make it to confession? What if I don't remember all my mortal sins to confess? There's not even a defined list of what counts as mortal sin, just aspects as mentioned in the video. So I'd constantly be worried about it.
Our Catholic Saints help with that haha, there’s some that have struggled with that in their life. As someone suffering the same , it can also be an opportunity to grow deeper in relationship with the Lord and appreciate and reflect on his Divine Mercy when we get in these moments. Help us explore the root of our OCD (perfectionism , pride, etc.)..Also there’s a ten commandments for the scrupulous. St Alphonsus and St Faustina
I have broken all 10 commandments and I'm so so sorry please pray for me even though I don't deserve it
Only 2 prayers for me
See you all in hell
@@kakarotyung7056 🙏 praying for you
@@hopefull61256 thank you I needed that
Really helpful description of what mortal sin means. Thanks!
Maybe that's why lay catholics aren't taught anymore on what constitutes mortal sin, then they can't be held responsible when they come before God? Is God merciful to those who plead ignorance? What does it say about our teaching of the faith today?
In reality, only Jesus knows the logistics of Justification. In my opinion, concept of Venial vs Mortal Sin comes across as “dualistic”, and I don’t think Christ views things in a black & white manner. Sometimes, the Magisterium doesn't always use the best wording when conveying certain topics (i.e. using the word “Separate”). Such strong language frightens people, often leading them to become scrupulous. Instead, look at Mortal Sin as “not being in good standing” rather than “being separated”. Only God knows 100% the state of one's soul. The key thing is to “always have a repentant heart and keep it open to God’s mercy", even if you can’t make it to the confessional. Hope this helps.
Thank you Father. I love your way of delivering this teaching. God Bless you po! -from Philippines
I think your last point is why we Orthdox make no such distinction. Of course some sins do separate us from God, but we simply cannot know when such a sin has been committed. It is better we focus that energy of penitence, not on examining what type it was.
Wholeheartedly agree.
I am a recovering porn addict and a convicted felon because of that addiction. I appreciate the reassurance that it's harder than we realize to sin mortally, but, having definitely sinned mortally in the past, I would like to share my own experience for perspective.
When I slip up and act out of habit (I spent 15 years programming my unhealthy mental/emotional responses to stimulation so they very much are habitual now), I recognize that I am running TO a momentary feeling rather than turning AWAY from God.
When I sit down at the computer knowing full well that I will spend a few hours/all night/the weekend rebuilding my library of images, I cannot make that choice without first acknowledging God's Will for me and choosing to reject it. There is, for me, always that moment of rejection of Him in the mortally sinful acting-out moments. There is almost never that moment of conscious rejection of Him in my momentary slip-ups.
That doesnt make my slip-ups not sinful - ultimately, the act I choose is against God - but the time for reflection came and went YEARS ago when I programmed myself to reject His Will habitually. I confessed and He forgave the sin of that programming but I'm still dealing with the side-effects and consequences of it.
I loved this video father. We need more priests like you who make Catholic Religion more accessible & which can be understood by a common person.
I don’t know Br/Fr. Casey, stealing is a grave matter to me even if it were even small like a candy bar. Every now and then when I steal my brother’s coffee cream in the morning I feel the guilt as the consequence with God. I tried making up to him by buying him more coffee cream but then I end up using that too... so I know the futility. Now, as I am writing this I feel compelled to do penance by buying more coffee cream to give to him. I’ll try to remember when I go to the store.
Good conscience! Keep that in your heart. It helps your soul in the right path. The only reason why there is mortal amd venial just because there is different consequence on different matter. Ofc, stealing a candy bar isnt as grave as murdering. But, still, all wrongdoing, is sin.
Great informative infromation on a very difficult topic. In the long run we all need to try~ Trying to overcome is necessary~ ANd Prayer 🙂
I love this! The Devil is incredibly wily. He takes even a desire to serve God, and twists it into undue scrupulousity that tends to separate us from Him because we think we are not worthy (heads up, we're not, and that's not the point). So many people needed to hear this.
The only thing that might be a point of caution is "I'm not sure our will is ever free." That there is always some level of compulsion or ignorance negating the capacity to sin mortally. I totally understand this idea, but I think someone could take it and run with it until the concept of evil itself is dissolved away. Say a new initiate to the Mafia is required to murder an innocent person to get "made." Yes, he's under peer pressure, he was raised in a way that glorifies that lifestyle and makes it hard to say No. He has a psychological profile that inherently desensitizes him to violence. Does that really excuse the utter lack of compassion and mercy when he finds his innocent victim and commits the act?
It's a fruitful point for discussion, to be sure.
This video was helpful. I am a convert to the faith of 21 years, and struggle with scrupulosity. Determining what is grave matter and whether I fully consented are things I wrestle with to this day. As a result, I go to Confession monthly, sometimes more, but I rarely find peace. Please pray for me.
Father, can you please elaborate on those extremely rare cases where a mortal sin can't and shouldn't be forgiven by a priest that you mentioned towards the end of the video?
The answer to ur question is when u sin against the holy spirit. U know what is that unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit, it is the sin when you dont want to be helped by God
Your videos are very good; easy to follow, relevant for the modern catholic. Thanks!!
I may be Orthodox, but I'm happy I watched your video so I know more about theology, you're a great help. GOD Bless (+)
Orthodox or Roman Catholic, we are both Catholics
Thank you, i needed to hear this❤
I am a Muslim that just found out about your channel and I find it very meaningful, despite the differences in our religion. The teachings and reasoning mentioned in this video can also apply to the beliefs in Islam. No sin is too great for God to forgive. Peace be with all of us
Nice pfp lol
I don't know if you read this, or its straight from your wisdom on the spot, but thank you. God working through you to send a message.
Thank u father. I am currently struggling with addiction for mastubuation. Please pray for me . Amen
We are in this together Brother. I too struggle with this. I also believe that I have an addictive personality. How you ever considered a 12 step program? I believe it also helps with person, as if you work the program sincerely, you become more of an honest person.
Same with me.
Same here, praying for you brother.
Dave, god loves you and wants what is best for you. I love you and I will keep you in my prayers
Me also. I hope I am not damned for this, but God is eternally just.
Thank you Father. This video helped me greatly
I really wish you'd stick to these videos. you are very good at teaching basic concepts in the Church. I can share stuff like this with new Catholics and students. I'm not trying to "troll" but I find these types of videos much more useful than some of your others. You're good at them.
The mission of Breaking In The Habit is wide, and so many different forms of media are used. This is certainly catechetical, but it is not very evangelical nor is it particularly prophetic. Sometimes things need to be more personal. Sometimes they need to be unsettling.
@@BreakingInTheHabit fair enough, and I enjoy your videos regardless of whether I agree with you or not...which is why I have followed you for a long time, bought your book, etc. Maybe this is why I get so defensive when I essentially get called a troll if I don't simply upvote your vids and go my own way without criticizing points I believe to be legitimate.
I offer this as fraternal advice...for which you can ignore me, block me or call me a troll on twitter: catechetical videos of high quality are needed and you excel at making them.
When I need theological, philosophical, contemplative or social justice insight I enjoy your videos, but there are hosts of very very qualified experts with content on youtube that have been wrestling with those topics for fifty or sixty years. I can listen to Richard Ruhr all day (and then come here to be accused of dualistic thinking for disagreeing with you).
Don't get me wrong...I think you'll get there some day in these topics...but I've really only valued as excellent your vocation videos, your Franciscan life videos (details of individual Friars), and your catechesis videos.
Offering feedback, hopefully you don't think I'm just trolling.
@@BreakingInTheHabit I mean, unless I'm really off here...you are the CEO and only employee of Breaking in the Habit. You are free to do whatever you want with it.
As someone with a degree in organization management I would get very suspicious of a client that told their mission is "wide" --- wide sounds potentially like a code-word that means scattered and unfocused when you drill down into that organization.
Not a Catholic, but a christian and this was very useful to me. Thanks
Br. Casey, I know you have done some more personal, informal videos in the past and I would love to hear from you about what it's like as a fellow human to be on the priest's side of the confessional. I often find myself distracted by wondering what the priest might be thinking, or what the most common sins are to confess, or whether the priest is ever bothered by hearing the same voice confess the same sins every time.
Thank you so much father for your video and clarifying this for us..
Mainstream authentic Christianity, unlike Roman Catholicism, does not divide sin into two categories - mortal sin and venial sin. A sin is a sin is a sin: "For WHOEVER keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it all". ( James 2:10 ) "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and ALL are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
( Romans 3:23,24 ) And if you think that your sin is so bad ( Mortal Sin ) that God would never forgive you, you are basically saying that Christ's death on the cross was not good enough to atone for your sin! The one sin that can’t be forgiven is the sin of rejecting Christ and refusing His offer of forgiveness. This alone is the unforgivable sin, because it means we are saying that the Holy Spirit’s witness about Jesus is a lie. " Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out". ( John 6:37 )
Thanks for the clarity and succinctness.
The best thing you said was the end part of the video
There are some people who say that Mortal Sins are like addictions. They are "Mortal" in the sense that they have taken root in our souls and that this is what causes the separation between God and humanity.
Great explanation thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thank u so much for guiding me, god bless you
Father Ripperger teaches, that an addiction might be a sign of refusing God's grace and a path to sure damnation. According to him, if confession is not working, you might be in trouble.
This seems like a totally different approach to sins and grace. Can someone explain? Or is it that, the Church needs distinct perspectives, so each one of us might find the truth in a way suited for each one?
Father Ripperger is a wiseman, society and Catholics should heed his advice.
When you have an addiction, you DO need Confession PLUS professional help from psycholgist and sometimes psychiatrist.
I don't think addiction lessen your culpability of mortal sin, or making it any less mortal. In any case where you can use your reason and conscience, addiction need to be forgiven
Confession can be the most healing act an addicted person can do. If you fall one time or a hundred and go back to Jesus He will be waiting in there ( through the Priest) don’t put it off - go for mercy and never ever give up on yourself , as Jesus will never ever give up on you. The true sin is believing the lie that you are not worth saving, repenting or being loved by God. It’s hard to go back to God but shame is a bully - grace is a shield . Jesus is your shield .
Could you please provide a source for this? I would like to read up more on Fr. Ripperger take on this point.
Great video. God bless you Father, and thank you!
Back then stealing a candybar was just as bad as murder.
True. I remember Les Misérables 😭
Mother Mary and jesus please be with me and my family always I pray to God to show me the way
I have serious doubts about the "lite" treatment of sin and the sacrament of reconciliation in this presentation as it pertains to aiding the endangered and strengthening one's growth in holiness. Serious matters need not be treated as frivolous.
I don't see it as making light of mortal sin, but simply teaching what mortal sin is. So many people misunderstand. Scrupulosity can also endanger one's growth in holiness. As he says in the end, we should hate all sin, and seek God every time we fall.
You made a great explaining video. But there are many other priests, along with many “fine catholics” who describe mortal sin as something incredibly easy to commit and they literally say you should almost live in confessional even when you’re doubtful and anxious… making christian life look terrible and depressing, and somehow pathological.
Hi, Father. Could you provide a word of advice ?
I've been, must of my life, a church person. I do understand the basics of my Faith and I understand must of the Church commands. Still, at this moment, I found myself rejecting God activitly. I, in some corners of my heart, feel hate and disdain for Him and the Church. If I could have it in my way, I'll just move one with my life, letting Him go, or else, letting me go. But I can, because I know Him and I, too, miss Him and the Love I once felt.
I abstain from communion and from mass, to be honest. I sometimes feel infuriated just to be in there, other times just profoundly sad.
I probably need an spiritual director, as I used to have in my teens, but I don't feel in a position of trust as to reveal my soul to anybody around me, not even my closest friends.
So, in short, where should I start? I know I want to come back, but I what that require of me, and I don't know if I have any strength left on me to start all over again.
My sweet brother. The Lord is calling you. Right now the world is in peril and alone with their thoughts. Because we don't have access to confession, remember Our Heavenly Father is always listening. May I suggest reflecting on the sins you've committed throughout you life and ask God for forgiveness with a contrite heart. Ask Our Heavenly Father to reveal all sin that weighs heavily on your heart so that you can break all chains that are keeping you from loving fully. The worst thing to do is detach yourself from Jesus' Divine Mercy. You will never find comfort being disconnected spiritually from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate comforter. Make time alone with Jesus to talk to him to feel His presence. Praying the rosary daily and reading your Bible daily will also help strengthen your relationship with Our Lord. I hope this was helpful.😊 I'll be praying for you brother. Don't give up on Jesus for He never gave up on you.🤗🕊🙏💙
Call out to Our Lady, brother. She will lead you back. I will pray for you.
God can take anything we have no matter how bad it seems to be ( He already knows everything you think and feel anyway..). So,yes you need spiritual direction-you need the Church and your brothers and sisters in Christ but I would also suggest going straight to God himself.
If you feel hatred for Him He already knows that. That’s bad but the worse part is that it is keeping you away from Him. So pray. Talk to Him and confess everything in your heart - even the hate - so that you can open up a dialogue and allow Him in again to start working on you and healing those wounds that are causing the separation.
You said you don’t have the strength to start over again and that can actually be a great place to start again... That is what is meant by “My strength is made perfect in weakness”. You know you can’t do it by yourself because you’ve tried and failed over and over so let HIM take control and His strength can show through in you even greater because you allow His power to do the work.
May God Bless you Brother
Hello Cesar, I read your comment and personally, I feel just like you. But I know God and I have allowed him to crumble down these walls that was built to resist him from coming in to fix in my life what I can not. I believe most of all in him, Jesus, and I trust him with my life. He helped put the broken pieces back together in my heart; and my soul continually finds him each time I look. So don’t be afraid to be close to him. Seek him out and you will find him and his love will help you know on your knees how precious and lovely you are to him.