Mortal Sin And Forgivness?

[Guest me~]

Hi, I've been struggling w/ this issue for about a year now.. I was wondering if you might be able to help. So lets say a person commits a moral sin (i.e masturbation). Now there soul is literally "empty", meaning they have no grace in their soul. Right ? I keep having this image in my mind that when we are in a state of mortal sin, God cannot "see" us and "cuts us off" from Him. Is this right? I know that He always forgives us, but isn't this after we go to confession? And until we are able to recieve confession, I mean since we are pretty much "cut off" from God, what is the use of praying? I mean are prayers aren't being heard are they? And so wouldn't it be all right to just keep commiting mortal sins, becuase God has no relation w/ us? And then confess them all in confession and start out all over again. Any advice you could give would be appreciated verrry much, becuase like I said I've been dealing w/ this issue for about a year, and it is rather depressing, and I don't know what to think. Thanks so much!

[Pontifex]

Masturbation is a gravely disordered action. We know from Church teaching that it remains, objectively, a grave sin. However, on a subjective level, (in each personal circumstance) there is a number of factors that lower the level of gravity. (The presence of Anxiety, formation of habit, stress, biology, etc.) These things and others can hinder consent or even eliminate it all together. I do not say this to justify the sin, but more so to put it in perspective.

As far as how God looks at you in the event of mortal sin, remember that God always remaims faithful even when we are not faithful. He remains with us, even if we don't remain in him. Do not think for a minute that God could ever forget you. You are the apple of his eye, his love of loves, and you are irreplaceable. If you sin, he waits by the window like the father of the prodigal son. And before you can even get the words out his embrace of love is there for you.

If you commit a sin such as masturbation do not let the devil give you that line, "Oh what's the use, just keep doing it." If you fall in a mud puddle get up and seek to be cleaned up in confession. Until that opportunity arises, simply make a good act of contrition and continue to pray with passion. God does not cut you off. Those that are cut off are those that want to be.

Peace.

Edited September 29, 2004 by Pontifex